Boost for Ireland as Stanislav Lobotka will not join Slovakia squad for playoff

Slovakia's Stanislav Lobotka (left) and Wales' Gareth Bale (right) battle for the ball during the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying, Group E match at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The Republic of Ireland have received a major boost for tomorrow’s European Championship play-off after Napoli prevented Stanislav Lobotka from linking up with the Slovakia squad.

Uefa recently confirmed that clubs were within their rights to refuse release requests from internationals association if concerns over Covid-19 occurred. Two of Lobotka’s teammates tested positive last week, prompting them to withdraw from Sunday’s Serie A game against Juventus and undertake mandatory quarantine.