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Matt Doherty and James McClean tested positive for coronavirus ahead of the final game of the Republic of Ireland League of Nations against Bulgaria.
The pair started Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Wales in Cardiff but are now cut off from the rest of the group, which flew back to Dublin on Monday.
A statement from the Irish Football Association said: “The Irish Football Association can confirm that Irish defender Matt Doherty and forward James McClean tested positive for Covid-19.
“Players have been isolated from the group according to Covid-19 protocols, and the HSE has been informed of this development.
“The rest of the staff and team tested negative before the flight back to Dublin this morning before the UEFA Nations League game against Bulgaria on Wednesday.”
The development represents a new headache for manager Stephen Kenny, who already lost Callum Robinson and Alan Browne to positive tests this month.
Republic of Ireland midfielder James McClean also tested positive for Covid-19
With Seamus Coleman, Enda Stevens and John Egan missing through injury and James McCarthy having retired from the team for family reasons, Kenny’s resources were further depleted at Cardiff City Stadium by Jeff Hendrick’s red card and the warning he will see joining the midfielder Jayson Molumby. him on the suspension list against Bulgaria.
Ireland must avoid defeat at Aviva Stadium to ensure they do not finish last in Group B4 and be relegated.
Scotland U21 staff member tests positive for coronavirus
A Scotland U21 backroom staff member tested positive for Covid-19.
The individual tested positive on Sunday and has not traveled to Greece for Tuesday’s qualifying game.
Another staff member has been identified as a close contact and will be in isolation for 14 days. The SFA says that no other staff members or players have been affected.
A statement read: “The Scottish Federation can confirm that a Scottish Under-21 backroom staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday 15 November.
“The staff member had tested negative in three previous test rounds and has not traveled to Greece for the last European Under-21 Championship Qualifier Scotland 2021. They will isolate themselves for 10 days.
“All other members of staff who play and do not play have tested negative in this latest round of testing.
“Another member of the backroom staff has been deemed a close contact by the Scottish government and will isolate himself for 14 days.”
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