The Republic of Ireland’s hopes of avoiding Nations League relegation have been dealt a fresh blow after Matt Doherty and James McClean tested positive for coronavirus. Tottenham defender Doherty and Stoke midfielder McClean, who both started Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Wales, have been isolated from the rest of the squad which flew back to Dublin on Monday ahead of Wednesday night’s wooden spoon clash with Bulgaria. 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. Burke and McEneff will join club-mate Jack Byrne, who became the first League of Ireland player for 35 years to make a competitive appearance for the senior Ireland team in Cardiff, in the squad. In addition, they are in real danger of dropping out of the second pot of seeds in the draw for the forthcoming 2022 World Cup qualification draw.

Source: Express November 16, 2020 14:48 UTC