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Irish happy to get 11 on the park after positive tests .. then end game with 10
MATT DOHERTY admitted it was a relief Ireland could even get a team out for their Nations League stalemate with Wales.
The Republic’s pre-match plans were thrown into chaos following the withdrawal of f five stars after one positive Covid-19 result – with four other players who were close contacts having to isolate.
And the home side ended d the match with 10 men after r James McClean’s late dismissal for two quickfire yellow cards. He didn’t go quietly, accusing g Ethan Ampadu of diving, following a wild challenge that saw him get in a shoving match with the Wales players.
Defender Doherty said: “The last few days have been quite challenging. There was the play-off defeat then we flew back quite late and all the Covid stuff happened.
“We were meant to have a meeting that didn’t happen and we got told to stay in our rooms.
“We had enough players to play the game and play well.”
Boss Stephen Kenny, still searching for his first win, said: “The players can be extremely proud of how they played. They showed great attitude but just couldn’t get that goal.”
The return of Rambo failed to inject any action or drama into this Nations League bore draw.
Skilful Wales skipper Aaron Ramsey can usually be relied upon to provide a few fireworks.
But the only sparks that flew came when McClean saw red late on, before poking an accusing finger into the face of Ethan Ampadu.
He clearly thought the Wales man had taken a dive, and caused a bust-up between the sides. That was the greatest sense of threat on an afternoon when there was little danger to either goal.
Ireland will claim their preparations were badly affected by the positive Covid test, with John Egan, Alan Browne, Callum O’Dowda and Callum Robinson all absent.
But Juventus star Ramsey, captain in the continued absence of Gareth Bale, was still happy that Wales are sitting on top of their group.
He said: “We’re on seven points now and are happy with how things have gone.
“We found it hard at times but to come away with a point, we’ll take it. Ireland press a lot more now so we had to try to adapt to that.
“But we’ve stuck in there and got that point.”
Shot-shy Ireland have now just scored just two goals in their last seven games.
The Covid test made it a nightmare scenario for former Dunfermline boss Kenny.
And it badly hit his hopes of bouncing back from the heartbreaking defeat on penalties to Slovakia in Thursday’s Euro 2020 play-off semi-final.
Wales, at least, produced an improved defensive showing after their midweek 3- 0 friendly loss to England.
And they did create a chance in the 27th minute, when Harry Wilson exchanged passes with Ramsey before curling a left-foot shot from the top of the box which keeper Darren Randolph pushed behind.
Wales also looked to have a very strong claim for a penalty soon after when Randolph h came rushing out of his goal, dropped the ball and clattered Ampadu afterwards.
But the Irish escaped as there was no VAR to review the decision and somehow they actually were awarded the foul in their favour.
The home side then nearly took the lead when Robbie Brady should have at least hit the target after he put a leftfoot shot wide after Wilson gave the ball away.
Republic sub Cyrus Christie went even closer with a fierce shot before the break.
After the restart Ireland blew a glorious chance to bbreakk theh ddeadlockdlk as Shane h Long headed Enda Stevens’ cross over.
Ramsey then had a left-foot shot deflected over for the away side at the other end.
In a scrappy match, Ireland were the stronger side, as sub Daryl Horgan had a header blocked then the former Hibs winger blasted the rebound over.
The home side’s dominance was halted by a second yellow card for McClean in the 83rd minute for two reckless challenges in quick succession.
But Wales failed to make their numerical advantage pay off as they looked content with a point.