DUFF LEAVES CELTIC TO FOCUS ON IRELAND ROLE

CELTIC have confirmed that first team coach Damien Duff has left the club to take up his role as Republic of Ireland coach under manager Stephen Kenny. Duff (right), who moved to the Parkhead side in a coaching capacity in January 2019, helped Celtic to two league titles. ‘He’s in his formative years as a coach but he made a huge contribution and there was a good chemistry there. So he’ll be difficult to replace, that’s for sure,’ said Celtic manager Neil Lennon. Meanwhile, the first testing for Covid-19 kicks off today for players and staff from the four clubs returning first to the League of Ireland frontline. Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Derry City players will be tested ahead of resuming training on June 8. Around 120 people are involved and can expect to be tested regularly under the supervision of FAI’s medical team, headed by Dr Alan Byrne.

It’s understood that should there be 10% or more positive tests in a single batch, training will be halted. All being well, the FAI are planning a mini tournament involving the four Euro-bound teams in Tallaght Stadium shortly after July 20, when phase four of the easing of restrictions comes into place. There will be two games played on two different nights a few days apart. The FAI chiefs, together with the League of Ireland clubs, are provisionally targeting a return to senior competitive football in mid-August at a number of neutral stadiums, likely to include the Aviva Stadium.