Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has insisted he does not feel cursed after losing striker Callum Robinson to a positive coronavirus test on the eve of the friendly clash with England.
The West Brom striker is self-isolating a month after a series of positive Covid-19 results wrecked Kenny’s plans for the Euro 2020 play-off semi-final clash with Slovakia and the Nations League fixtures against Wales and Finland.
Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah were forced to miss Ireland’s defeat in Slovakia after sitting too close on the team’s aeroplane to a member of staff who later tested positive for coronavirus.
Asked if he felt cursed, the Ireland manager said: ‘No, absolutely not. This is the way of the world at the moment. People are talking about a vaccine being imminent and 90 per cent proof, all that sort of headlines there have been recent days, so hopefully this situation is temporary throughout the world.
‘In Callum’s case, he came in and on the first test he’s tested positive. He wasn’t feeling unwell, so it’s just unfortunate for him, really.’
The players, it was later revealed, were sat in the wrong seats on the plane.
Connolly will again be missing after picking up a hamstring injury and Kenny admitted his absence, along with Robinson’s was a blow ahead of Thursday’s game and the Nations League double-header against Wales and Bulgaria.
He said: ‘It is the case that we’re disappointed, but you’ve got to deal with whatever comes your way.
‘We’re thrilled at a great three games for us, playing England at Wembley, playing Wales in Cardiff and playing back in the Aviva Stadium against Bulgaria.
Three games in six days is terrific and terrific games to play in for the players, so we’re looking forward to the games.’