Cullen call for Ireland after Covid scare hits camp

Arter ruled out of Slovakia with preparations affected by last-minute positive test drama

NEW Anderlecht signing Josh Cullen has recovered fully from Covid-19 to take the place of injury victim Harry Arter in the Ireland squad for the Euro 2020 play-off in Slovakia.

But the travelling party needed Government permission to fly to Bratislava after a coronavirus scare on the morning of their flight.

Through mandatory UEFA testing of everyone in the squad bubble, it emerged that a full-time FAI employee – not a member of the playing or coaching team – had the virus.

That person was deemed to have come into close contact with two other members of the delegation who were prevented from making the trip even though their tests came back negative.

Public Health were informed and wrote to the FAI confirming they had complied with advice and could travel. All players and management tested negative, and there was confidence that there hadn’t been enough contact with the affected individual.

This occurred on the same day Galway United reported that two players had tested positive for Covid, thus resulting in the cancellation of their First Division game with Drogheda United on Friday – the first positive tests within the League of Ireland.

Cullen signed for Anderlecht from West Ham ahead of the close of the transfer deadline on Monday.

The 24-year-old has just finished a period in isolation that followed a positive test with his ex-manager David Moyes also caught up in that cluster.

He steps in for Arter who damaged his thigh while playing for Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Ultimately, the staff drama was a minor distraction for Kenny and his group, with winger Callum O’Dowda describing the new boss as the most impressive manager he has ever worked with in terms of his match preparation.

“The attention to detail is something I’ve really noticed, it’s probably the best that I’ve worked under so far in terms of that aspect,” said the Bristol City player, a surprise selection for Kenny’s opening double-header.

“I haven’t actually been in a set-up like this. It’s everything, whether it be from analysis meetings to physical work-out, gym-loading, meetings etc, it’s all there.”

Meanwhile, Slovakia coach Pavel Hapal is running out of time to get key midfielder Stanislav Lobotka to Bratislava.

Lobotka has been in quarantine in Napoli following an outbreak there with local health officials stating that no players or staff will be allowed to leave the city until they are satisfied. Slovak media say Lobotka needs a third negative test before he can depart.

Elsewhere, the FAI announced an end to adult amateur and underage matches with the exception of elite football, which includes League of Ireland and Women’s National League and all five underage National Leagues, after the nationwide introduction of Level 3.