Coronavirus: Matt Doherty and James McClean test positive
Written by News on 16/11/2020
Matt Doherty and James McClean have tested positive for coronavirus ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s final Nations League fixture against Bulgaria.
The pair started Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Wales in Cardiff but have now been isolated from the rest of the group, which flew back to Dublin on Monday.
A Football Association of Ireland statement said: “The Football Association of Ireland can confirm Ireland defender Matt Doherty and forward James McClean have tested positive for Covid-19.
“The players have been isolated from the group as per Covid-19 protocols, and the HSE have been informed of this development.
“The rest of the staff and squad tested negative ahead of the flight back to Dublin this morning before the UEFA Nations League match against Bulgaria on Wednesday.”
The development represents a fresh headache for manager Stephen Kenny, who has already lost Callum Robinson and Alan Browne to positive tests this month.
With Seamus Coleman, Enda Stevens and John Egan missing through injury and James McCarthy having withdrawn from the squad for family reasons, Kenny’s resources were depleted further at the Cardiff City Stadium by Jeff Hendrick’s red card and the booking which will see fellow midfielder Jayson Molumby join him on the suspension list against Bulgaria.
Shamrocks Rovers pair Graham Burke and Aaron McEneff have been called up along with Millwall striker Troy Parrott and Peterborough’s Jack Taylor.
Ireland need to avoid defeat at the Aviva Stadium to ensure they do not finish bottom of Group B4 and suffer relegation.
Scotland U21 staff member tests positive for coronavirus
A member of the Scotland U21 backroom staff has tested positive for Covid-19.
The individual tested positive on Sunday and has not travelled to Greece for Tuesday’s qualifier.
Another staff member has been identified as a close contact and will isolate for 14 days. The SFA say no other staff members or players have been affected.
A statement read: “The Scottish FA can confirm that a Scotland Under-21s backroom staff member returned a positive test for COVID-19 on Sunday, 15 November.
“The staff member had tested negative on three rounds of previous tests and has not travelled to Greece for Scotland’s latest Under-21s Euro 2021 Qualifier. They will self-isolate for 10 days.
“All other playing and non-playing staff members have tested negative on this latest round of testing.
“One other member of the backroom staff has been deemed as a close contact by the Scottish Government and will self-isolate for 14 days.”
(c) Sky Sports 2020: Coronavirus: Matt Doherty and James McClean test positive
