Connolly and Robinson Ruled out in Blow for Ireland

Ireland strikers Aaron Connolly and Callum Robinson have been ruled out of the upcoming international games with England, Wales and Bulgaria. Connolly picked up an injury in training while Robinson has been confirmed as the player who tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday.

The FAI announced the news on their official Twitter page earlier this afternoon.

It is a bitter blow for Connolly who also missed last month’s Euro 2020 play-off game with Slovakia as he and Adam Idah were deemed as close contacts to a member of the coaching staff who tested positive for Covid-19. Robinson started the Slovakian game but is now self isolating following test results.

Preston North End striker Sean Maguire and Swansea City player Ronan Manning will replace the duo in the squad for the upcoming friendly with England on Thursday night.

It is a busy spell for Stephen Kenny’s side as they travel to Cardiff to face Wales in the Nations League on Sunday which is followed by another Nations League game against Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday November 18th. Ireland are searching for their first win in the Nations League having picked up 2 draws and 2 defeats so far.

However, before that game, there is the small matter of a match against England. Former Dundalk manager Kenny is aiming to create history by leading the first Irish team to win at Wembley Stadium.

“We are really looking forward to it and the players get an opportunity to play at Wembley. Ireland have never won in Wembley in their history. We beat them twice; once in Stuttgart and once in Goodison which is 70 odd years ago. It’s been a long time.”