Kenny’s planning to see off Slovaks with skill

STEPHEN Kenny is targeting the scalp of Slovakia by skill rather than stealth in Thursday’s Euro 2000 play-off semi-final in Bratislava. With Slovakia sweating on the availability of midfield dynamo Stanislav Lobotka after a Covid-19 outbreak at his club, Napoli, Kenny is abandoning the traditional Irish smash ‘n grab outlook to away games. ‘I think our aspiration has to be to try and win the game rather than go with a game-plan to try and nick a win. ‘We’ve actually got to go and be progressive in the way we’re playing, and try to win the game,’ said the Ireland manager last night. ‘I see Slovakia as predominantly a possession-based team who like to control games. I think it will be two teams who will try and win the game. It’ll be an intriguing tactical battle in that regard.’ Kenny confirmed Seamus Coleman will not only miss the play-off but the Nations League games against Wales and Finland as well. ‘Seamus is most likely out for the three games, judging by the scan results,’ he added. ‘A hamstring is not something you can run off. If you’ve got a tear, you’ve got a tear,’ said Kenny, who may also be without Harry Arter (thigh). With Darragh Lenihan (knee)

also ruled out, Kenny has drafted in Burnley centrehalf Kevin Long and Nottingham Forest’s Cyrus Christie, who can cover for either full-back position. With a Level 5 lockdown looming, and a possible shutdown of the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland, and doubts over Ireland’s home games too, the Covid-19 pandemic has struck at the heart of Slovakia’s plans. Local health authorities yesterday blocked Napoli from travelling to Turin due to a possible Covid-19 outbreak after two players, Piotr Zielinski and Eljif Elmas, tested positive. The remainder of the players were placed in quarantine, including Lobotka, which has Slovak coach Pavel Hapel worried he may lose his ace midfielder. ‘Naples was supposed to play a league match and suddenly the team is in quarantine. Lobotka has been tested twice, twice with a negative result, we do everything to make him come. ‘This situation is for UEFA to think about, because it does not apply just to us, but also to other associations,’ said Hapel who has added Turkishbased midfielder Erik Sabo into his squad. Kenny rates Lobotka, 25, as the Slovak dangerman. ‘Lobotka is so dynamic with the ball. He is a very unusual player and very interesting player. ‘Most central midfield, pivotal players get the ball and pass, get it and pass, play left, play right and go. ‘Lobotka gets it and runs with it all the time.’