Stephen Kenny reveals Connolly and Idah deemed close contacts to Covid case

“It’s very, very harsh (for them) to be ruled out. They’re feeling fine

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny: 'The lads really showed great qualities as men and as Irish men. They showed themselves to be a real team'. Picture: INPHO/Tommy Dickson

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny revealed the FAI failed in an appeal to have Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah cleared in time for last night’s European Championship play-off semi-final defeat to Slovakia.

Ireland’s preparations for the game suffered some last-minute disruption when it was revealed that both Connolly and Idah had been ruled out of the game for non-footballing reasons.