Ireland women to fly by charter for first time as Covid concentrates minds

The Republic of Ireland senior women's squad will travel to a game by charter flight for the first time due to the Covid crisis.

Vera Pauw's side face Ukraine in a crucial Euro 2021 qualifier in Kiev next Friday. Win or draw and they are guaranteed a play-off place as Group I runner-up, at the very least, and the need to safeguard the travelling party is top of the agenda.