Nations League Group B4: Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria (tonight, Dublin, 7.45pm)
CONOR Hourihane put Republic of Ireland’s winless streak under Stephen Kenny and animated discussion around formations in perspective yesterday by revealing he lost a relative to Covid19.
Speaking to reporters from the capital via Zoom ahead of tonight’s final Nations League game against Bulgaria, the Cork native insisted that sometimes there are “bigger things in life and this pandemic is a little bit bigger than a couple of goals and a couple of results.”
The 29-year-old Aston Villa midfielder said: “We’re all worried about results and goals and whatever. Yes, that’s what we all want. Listen, I’ve had a family issue with Covid, somebody unfortunately passing away. It’s not an easy time for people; you don’t know what’s going on in people’s lives.”
Once again, the Irish are ravaged by Covid19 issues, injuries and suspensions as Stephen Kenny’s men attempt to record their first win since the Dubliner assumed the senior reins seven games ago.
On Monday, James McClean and Matt Doherty tested positive for the virus and are added to the growing list of absentees, while visitors Bulgaria are without nine players themselves because of Covid issues.
While insisting he feels safe on international duty, Hourihane did say players will always have concerns about bringing the virus back to their families.
“We all try to stick to the protocols. Lads are normal human beings outside of football. Everyone sees us playing, judging lads’ performances and how we’re getting on but we’re all normal just like yourselves.
“It’s impacted myself, it’s impacted others, some people have got elderly family that they haven’t seen for months and months and months. We’re the same as anybody else. We’re the ones who have to go out and try and put a show on for you guys to write about something or put a smile on people’s faces or for people to shout and cheer at home.”
