He says he has been doing his homework for a year now, but Slovakia coach Pavel Hapal is praying that last-mintue issues related to Covid-19 will not be allowed to disrupt his plans for next week's clash with Ireland in Bratislava. Hapal is missing one key player for next Thursday's play-off at home to Ireland, as Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka is ruled out, putting Fulham's back-up netminder, Marek Rodak, into the firing line as he's expected to fill in. Slovakia's Czech-born coach was under fire last month after a poor defeat at home to the Czechs in the Nations League but morale was restored with a 1-1 draw in Israel and Hapal feels his side will be ready. "We have been following our Irish opponents for almost a year, they had a change of coach. He is relieved to have two US-based players available after they were denied permission to travel last month.

Source: The Herald September 30, 2020 01:30 UTC