European Championships 2021 semi-final play-off: Slovakia Republic of Ireland (tonight, Bratislava, 7.45pm)
REPUBLIC of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny believes they have ironed out the creases from last month’s disappointing Nations League displays and says they will attack hosts an under-strength Slovakia in their bid to reach the Euro 2021 final play-off.
The Slovaks' Euro bid suffered a double blow yesterday as key men Stanislav Lobotka and Milan Skriniar were ruled out due to Covid issues.
Inter Milan defender Skriniar tested positive for the virus last night and is out while Lobotka was refused permission by Napoli to join the national team as there was a Covid outbreak at his club where two team-mates tested positive - even though Lobotka had three tests and all came back negative.
"We're not reading too much into Slovakia's missing players, we're focusing on our own performance," Kenny said last night.
Clearly, though, the absence of both players should give the Irish camp a massive lift.
Speaking from the team’s base in Bratislava, Kenny says the chance of playing at next summer’s delayed European Championships in Dublin would be “incredibly special”.
“Most neutrals would see Slovakia with the home advantage as slight favourites in this game. We are going to have to be really play at the top of our game to win.
“The motivation is very high. Players’ careers are short and the opportunities to get to the European Championships and major tournaments are not so frequent so if you can achieve that, particularly when it's in Ireland, which is unprecedented, would be incredibly special.
“Slovakia will be tough opponents but we are doing everything we can to prepare to make sure we give ourselves every opportunity.”
Kenny confirmed Robbie Brady is fit for selection despite a fractured rib that curtailed his game-time at club level, although the squad is without Seamus Coleman, Harry Arter and Darragh Lenihan for tonight's make-or-break clash where VAR will be in operation and the one-legged affair is played to a finish.
Despite the lack of preparation time for tonight’s crucial encounter, the Republic of Ireland manager insists the squad is in much better shape than last month where they laboured to a 1-1 draw with Bulgaria and suffered a 1-0 home loss to Finland in the Nations League.
“We're not setting up to contain and hope we score through a set play or a break,” Kenny insisted. “We will play our own game. We have good players and we must not underestimate ourselves.
“We have not been able to train with any real intensity but they have taken information on board quickly. There is a good atmosphere and the players are very determined.”
The winners of tonight's clash will face either Bosnia or Northern Ireland next month for a place in the finals.
