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Adam Idah has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland qualifier for Euro 2020 Image: Paul Chesterton / Focus Images Ltd
Paul chesterton
Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny confirmed that Norwich City forward Adam Idah is “ perfectly fine ” after the youngster was left out of his country’s defeat in the qualifying penalty shootout. Euro2020 in Slovakia, after being in close contact with a staff member who tested positive for coronavirus.
Idah and Brighton forward Aaron Connolly did not travel to the stadium for Thursday’s play-off outing as a precaution after testing positive from a second Republic backroom staff member.
The head of the Republic, Stephen Kenny, gave an additional update after the loss and seemed to suggest that Idah will not need to isolate himself when he returns to the UK, which could have ruled him out of the next Canary Islands championship game against Rotherham on October 17.
“We have different rules in Ireland than in the UK,” said Kenny. “Much stricter in terms of what would be considered close contacts with one of our non-footballers staff members. It is very hard to be discarded. They are perfectly fine, there is nothing wrong with them, but the two meter rule in Ireland is there. In the UK, they would have been perfectly entitled to play.
“We had to follow medical advice. We knew about it before and there was an appeal and we appealed on the basis of 1.7 meters compared to two meters, which is how far they were. That was not considered sufficient. Is that how it works. But the two boys feel good.
“No other player is affected. We have no problem in the camp. It was a problem with a staff member who didn’t play soccer. “
The FAI had issued a short statement prior to the tie, which read: “The Irish Football Association can confirm that a second backstage staff member of the senior men’s international team has tested positive for coronavirus prior to the playoff semi-final. -Tonight’s UEFA EURO 2020 Offs. -final against Slovakia.
“The FAI employee tested negative in Dublin on Tuesday morning, but got a positive test result in Bratislava on Wednesday. He is asymptomatic and feels fine.
“COVID-19 protocols have been implemented and both UEFA and HSE have been informed of this development. UEFA has also confirmed that tonight’s match against Slovakia will not be affected by this. Ireland’s team and staff will be assessed, according to UEFA protocols, in Dublin on Friday.
“The FAI will have no further comment before tonight’s UEFA EURO 2020 play-off semi-final against Slovakia.”
On the field, the match ended scoreless after extra time, but Alan Browne and Matt Doherty failed to convert from the spot when Slovakia faced Northern Ireland in the final tie.
The news about Idah and Connolly came after Scottish duo Ryan Christie and Kieran Tierney missed their country’s play-off tie against Israel, after being told to isolate themselves for 14 days after their teammate from Team Stuart Armstrong tested positive for COVID-19 while on international duty.
Christie and Tierney both tested negative and have insisted they met social distancing guidelines, but now face losing important games for the club and the country.
Arsenal winger Tierney is now ruled out for the Gunners’ clash with Manchester City, the other side of the current international break.
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