Manager returns following isolation

Michael O’Neill returned to Stoke training yesterday after a period of self-isolation due to a positive test for coronavirus.

Stoke had to cancel a friendly at Manchester United’s training ground at short notice on June 9 when O’Neill was informed of his positive test while en route to Carrington, and the 50-year-old has been confined to his apartment since.

But O’Neill said he had remained symptom-free and would return ahead of today’s Championship fixture away to Reading.

“It’s certainly a new experience,” O’Neill said on the club’s YouTube channel.

“This has been my ninth day in self-isolation in my apartment.

“It’s been a little bit frustrating at times, there’s no doubt about that, but I’m also thankful that as yet I haven’t developed any symptoms despite having a positive test.”

O’Neill admitted news of his positive test came as a shock, but he was grateful to find out before he had entered United’s Carrington facility and potentially caused greater problems.

He said: “There is an initial shock. You do obviously fear you’ll get the symptoms and I know how many families have been affected. I’m thankful that at this moment in time I’m still symptom free.”

Michael O’Neill