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Aaron Connolly has moved on from the decision to change seats that cost him his place in the Republic of Ireland squad for last month’s Euro 2020 play-off semi-final in Slovakia.
The 20-year-old Brighton forward had been chosen to start in Bratislava when it emerged that he and his Norwich counterpart Adam Idah, who was to be among the substitutes, had been sitting too close to a member of staff, who later tested positive. . for Covid-19, on the flight, and both were removed from the squad.
When asked if he regretted his decision to leave his assigned seat, Connolly said, “No, and it’s frustrating when people say that. I left my seat, but I didn’t know I was going to sit next to someone who tested positive. .
“I could have stayed in my seat and someone next to me could have had it and had my way as I moved back.
“Seeing things like this is frustrating, even on social media. I moved my seat, but how was I supposed to know where someone who tested positive was sitting?
“I don’t look back and think I wish I had sat there. It happened and I’ve moved on.”
Connolly has played five games for the Republic of Ireland
Connolly’s misery was compounded when the test in question turned out to be a false positive, meaning he could have played in a tie that Ireland ultimately lost on penalties after all instead of watching from afar.
He said while preparing for the upcoming friendly against England and the Nations League clashes with Wales and Bulgaria: “It was difficult, obviously. At 20 years old, I may never have a chance for my country to play in such a match. important.to get to a tournament.
“It was obviously frustrating and finding out later that it was a false positive was a bit heartbreaking too, but that was last month and it’s about these three games.”
Collins called up to Kenny’s Ireland team
James Collins is in line to win his fifth international game for the Republic of Ireland
Luton Town forward James Collins has been called up for the first time in the Republic of Ireland national team under coach Stephen Kenny.
Collins, who scored in his full international debut in a 3-1 win against Bulgaria last year, is among attacking options after the International retirement of Sheffield United forward David McGoldrick.
Kenny has appointed a 26-man squad for this month’s international matches that will see them face England in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday night before taking on Wales and Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League.
Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman returns to the squad after the Everton right-back was ruled out of the October international break with a hamstring injury.
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