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Player ratings as Ireland fall to defeat in Wales

Here’s how we rated the Boys in Green this evening.

DARREN RANDOLPH – 6

The Bray man’s distribution was less than impressive at times, but otherwise he did the basics well and made a good save towards the end of the game to deny David Brooks his second. He also made a save against Kieffer Moore which should have been a goal. There wasn’t much he could have done for the Welsh goal.

MATT DOHERTY – 6

Doherty started at right back today after starting on the other side against England. He was arguably Ireland’s best player in that match, but he failed to have the same effect this evening. That said, he didn’t play badly and kept possession well.

SHANE DUFFY – 6

Dominant in the air as usual and comfortable at the back. He had a couple of opportunities in the opposition box but none of which were clear cut.

KEVIN LONG – 6

Long came in to take the place of the injured John Egan for this evening’s game. He took his chance well as he looked solid at the back. The Burnley man made a particularly impressive tackle on Dan James after a marauding run to stop a Welsh attack.

DARA O’SHEA – 6

Dara O’Shea’s cameo against England was enough to land him a starting role this evening. He had the unenviable role of guarding Gareth Bale but stuck to his job well as he kept the Welshman quiet. He gave away possession on occasion but that didn’t lead to any key chances. Subbed off for Callum O’Dowda in the 80th minute.

JAYSON MOLUMBY – 5

Provided good energy in midfield but failed to impact the game as much as he would have liked. He received a yellow card in the first half which means he will miss the next game against Bulgaria. Subbed off in the 74th minute for Conor Hourihane.

JEFF HENDRICK – 4

Hendrick has operated deeper than he normally does in the last two fixtures. So far, the midfielder has provided a useful option when playing out from the back in particular. He did, however, lose possession twice towards the end of the second half which nearly resulted in Welsh goals. He was also sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the dying embers of the game. He now misses the next match against Bulgaria.

ROBBIE BRADY – 7

Had Ireland’s first chance of the game in the 17th minute as the ball fell to him from just outside the box. Unfortunately, though, he shot just over. He also played a brilliant lofted ball through to James McClean in the 30th minute which resulted in a shot on goal. Undoubtedly Ireland’s best player in the first half, he didn’t play as well in the second but still looked comfortable in possession. Subbed off for Jack Byrne in the 80th minute.

DARYL HORGAN – 5

Horgan’s pace and directness caused problems for England on occasion the other night, but he didn’t have the same type of impact tonight. He did provide one good cross which led to a Robbie Brady chance but otherwise he wasn’t involved too much. Came off in the 58th minute for Jason Knight.

JAMES MCCLEAN – 6

McClean had one half chance after a brilliant off the ball run which caught the attention of Robbie Brady. Otherwise, he was tidy in possession and hard working when on the receiving end.

ADAM IDAH – 6

Showed a couple of nice touches and held the ball up well but failed to trouble the keeper. He had one good opportunity after some good work by Robbie Brady but was stopped in his tracks by Joe Rodon. Subbed off in the 74th minute for James Collins.

SUBSTITUTIONS

JASON KNIGHT – 5

Failed to get involved that much after coming on. Received a yellow card near the end of the match.

JAMES COLLINS – 6

Collins had an opportunity immediately after coming on but it was easy for the keeper to gather. He had two other opportunities afterwards but both were easily saved by the keeper.

CONOR HOURIHANE – 5

Hourihane whipped in one good corner after coming on but failed to get involved otherwise.

JACK BYRNE – N/A (WASN’T ON THE PITCH LONG ENOUGH)

Certain sections of the Irish support have been crying out for a Jack Byrne appearance since Stephen Kenny took over. They got their wish today as the Shamrock Rovers midfielder came on near the end of the game. He didn’t have much time to have an impact but he was very tidy in possession after coming on.

CALLUM O’DOWDA – N/A (WASN’T ON THE PITCH LONG ENOUGH)

The Bristol City man made one good run after coming on but failed to get involved otherwise.

NFL Week 10 Buccaneers @ Panthers Preview, Fantasy and Betting

NFL Week 10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers Sunday 6pm Game Preview, Fantasy, and Betting

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to rebound from the humiliating loss to the Saints last week against another in division rival in the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are on a 4-game losing streak but that isn’t a fair reflection on how they’ve been playing recently, and they won’t be in any mood to give the Buccs an easy win. Can Tampa get themselves back on track or will their playoff hopes suffer another set-back at the hands of Matt Rhule’s side?

PP Betting:
Money line: Buccaneers 2/5 Panthers 2/1
Points Spread: Buccaneers -5.5
Over/Under: 49.5

I don’t see this as a 5 point game to be honest. The Panthers have been playing better than their record has shown and I don’t think big wins are too far away. This could be the start. 2/1 is a really good return for them in my opinion, even with C-Mc out.

Fantasy Football:
Buccaneers:
Tom Brady is the 8th ranked Fantasy QB averaging over 20 points per game. However, before last week, when he finished with minus points, his lowest scoring game on the season was in week 2 versus, you guessed it, the Carolina Panthers.

One of the stand out stats in that loss last week was the number of times Tampa Bay ran the ball. 4 times. In the whole game. For a total of 9 yards. They will have to have a much more balanced game plan this week to avoid a 2nd straight beating. But don’t expect either Ronald Jones or Leonard Fournette to rack up a big carry count. I would consider both risky but if in need of an RB2 both are capable of making plays.

The weapons Tom Brady has at his disposal on the outside have been well documented. Evans and Godwin may be the best WR tandem in the NFL and Scotty Miller has earned the trust of the former Patriots leader. Of course, his old sidekick from Foxboro Rob Gronkowski has joined him in Florida. And if that wasn’t enough, the enigmatic, but highly talented, Antonio Brown is now part of the mix too. Evans most likely to pick up points for owners but any one of these guys are a threat if given the opportunity. Gronkowski in particular has seen an upward trend in output, putting up double figures in 3 consecutive weeks before the Saints game.

Despite the defense being taken apart by Drew Brees and the Saints offense, the Tampa Bay defense still ranks in the top 5 in the league in fantasy. They hauled in 30 points in week 2 against Carolina, their 3rd best performance of the season and will likely come into this game having a point to prove.


Panthers:
Carolina recruited Teddy Bridgewater to take over at QB in the off-season and he has been a fairly reliable hand under center. Unfortunately, one of the teams he wasn’t at his best against was the Buccaneers, who and recorded 5 sacks and 2 interceptions in the game earlier in the season. With a few more weeks getting to know Matt Rhule’s offense, don’t expect a similar stat line but Bridgewater faces a tough task to get much out of one of the NFL’s better defences. 

The big news this week for Carolina is that star Running Back Christian McCaffrey’s much anticipated return from injury only lasted a week as he is again side-lined. Like last time, Mike Davis will step into his role, which he did to a very respectable level thus far. Tampa come armed with a nasty defensive front and he has his work cut out for him this week.

Like Tampa Bay, the Panthers have an excellent receiving corps, led by DJ Moore. While he has only 1 100-yard game this year, it was in the week 2 clash between these teams. He is joined by Curtis Samuel and Robbie Anderson leaving Carolina with 3 of the top 30 fantasy receivers.
My Prediction:
I don’t expect Tampa Bay to be anywhere near as bad as they were in the New Orleans game. On the road against a rival in the division again isn’t ideal when you are looking for redemption and, no doubt, Carolina will come at them all guns blazing. I think this could be an excellent game and could come down to the wire. I’m edging it to the home side. 

Panthers by 3

Galway vs Mayo: Connacht Final Preview with Andy Moran and Finian Hanley

We have Andy Moran and Finian Hanley previewing the 2020 Connacht Football Final between Mayo and Galway.

CLICK FOR LIVE SCORE COMMENTARY OF GALWAY V MAYO

They meet for an eighth successive year in the championship. The first six were in the Connacht championship, with Mayo winning in 2013-14-15 and Galway winning in 2016-17-18.  They met in the All-Ireland qualifiers last year when Mayo won. This will be their first clash in the Connacht final since 2014 when Mayo won by seven points.

Match Preview

Look back at previous finals

Team News
1. David Clarke – Ballina Stephenites
2. Oisín Mullin – Kilmaine
3. Chris Barrett – Clontarf
4. Lee Keegan – Westport
5. Patrick Durcan – Castlebar Mitchels
6. Stephen Coen – Hollymount/Carramore
7. Eoghan McLaughlin – Westport
8. Conor Loftus – Crossmolina Deel Rovers
9. Matthew Ruane – Breaffy
10. Kevin McLoughlin – Knockmore
11. Mark Moran – Westport
12. Diarmuid O’Connor – Ballintubber
13. Tommy Conroy – The Neale
14. Aidan O’Shea – Breaffy (C)
15. Cillian O’Connor – Ballintubber

Galway starting XV vs Mayo

(2020 Connacht SFC final)

1. Bernard Power (CorofinGAA)
2. Sean Kelly (Cumann Peile Mhaigh Cuilinn)
3. Seán Ó Maolchiaráin (CLG Oileáin Árann)
4. Johnny Heaney (Killannin Gaa)
5. Liam Silke (CorofinGAA)
6. Johnny Duane (St. James’ GAA – Galway)
7. Cillian McDaid (Monivea Abbey GAA Football Club)
8. Céin D’Arcy (Caherlistrane GAA)
9. Tom Flynn (St. Mary’s GAA Club Athenry)
10. Paul Kelly (Cumann Peile Mhaigh Cuilinn)
11. Paul Conroy (St. James’ GAA – Galway)
12. Michael Daly (Mountbellew Moylough GAA Club)
13. Ian Burke (CorofinGAA)
14. Shane Walsh – Captain (Kilkerrin/Clonberne GAA Club)
15. Dessie Conneely (Cumann Peile Mhaigh Cuilinn)

 

Since then, the 2016 and ’17 All-Ireland runners-up have beaten Leitrim and Roscommon in the Championship to eclipse a league relegation. On the other hand, Sligo’s concession of last weekend’s game against the Galwegians means Joyce’s team enter this game without any Championship minutes under their belts.

This is Mayo’s first visit to a Connacht final since they completed five-in-a-row in 2015. In the seasons between now and then, Roscommon and Galway have always trumped them in Connacht. But, their form to date makes them hot favourites to end that drought.

Mayo Finding Their Stride

James Horan unearthed a few gems in this fixture a few weeks ago. Tommy Conroy has been ever-present in the full-forward line since that day and has justified his inclusion. Likewise, Eoghan McLoughlin has made one of the wing-back spots his own. At centre-forward, Mark Moran burst onto the stage against Galway. However, he is competing with Ryan O’Donoghue for that jersey. It will be interesting to see if Horan recalls Moran to try and repeat the trick this time around.

Mayo’s youthful injection contrasts to the veterans who Horan also has at his disposal. Colm Boyle and Keith Higgins were both on the bench last weekend and despite not playing they are valuable assets that he can trust. On the field, Cillian O’Connor is reminding everyone why he is the top scorer in GAA Championship history. At the other end, Lee Keegan is seemingly Horan’s most trusted man-marker.

The gap between Mayo’s old and new is being nicely bridged by the likes of Paddy Durcan, Stephen Coen, Matthew Ruane, and Diarmuid O’Connor. These four make up a strong core that Horan can build around.

Mayo’s running game returned to its best against Roscommon. Half-backs Durcan and McLoughlin were the primary source of that. McLoughlin emulates a young Colm Boyle with this pace and power as he drives past defenders. A great example of this was his assist for Diarmuid O’Connor’s goal. Likewise, Durcan’s tunnel vision is a joy to watch as he regularly offers as much going forward as a 13 or a 15. He scored two points against Roscommon while simultaneously muzzling Enda Smith.

Galway Ready to Rock

Joyce would have preferred to have played Sligo last weekend than to have a bye straight to the final no matter how convenient it is. Since the restart, his side have lost to Mayo and Dublin to overshadow excellent form in the spring. A win over Sligo would have been very welcome no matter how close it was.

Now, Galway enter the Championship with a lack of match practice. Furthermore, Damien Comer remains sidelined for the 2018 Connacht Champions. Without having played in three weeks, Joyce has tough decisions to make about how best to deploy his troops.

One piece of good news is that Shane Walsh is available and looking forward to the heat of a Connacht rivalry.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Walsh apparently relishes this fixture. “It is a massive thing, the Galway-Mayo rivalry. The game always takes on a life of its own”.

Joyce will need Walsh to return to full form straight off the bat with his other top forward absent. Otherwise, selections in the full-back line remain an interesting one. Aidan O’Shea wreaked havoc in Tuam Stadium with Sean Andy O’Ceallaigh unable to tame the Breaffy beast. Sean Mulkerrin could be drafted into the full-back line. The versatile, young defender could be assigned to Conroy or O’Connor, or even O’Shea if Joyce trusts him enough. He featured against Dublin last time out.

While it may be tough to predict the Galway team, it is certain that it will be different to the one Mayo faced a few weeks ago. Joyce’s team will be out to prove that they’re the strongest team in Connacht but the selections the manager makes will be important. Traditionally, Mayo improve as they play more games. For that reason, five games in five weeks may not hinder them. This could clash nicely with Galway’s freshness and hunger for Championship football.

With Kerry now out of Munster, Mayo and Galway know that a win here means a great chance of reaching an All-Ireland final. It’s a shame fans can’t be in attendance as this is shaping up to be one of the best Galway-Mayo games in recent years.

The game is live on RTÉ.

Mayo are slight favourites with Paddy Power at 10/11. Otherwise, Galway at 11/10 and a draw is 15/2.

Prediction: Mayo. The loss of Damien Comer is a huge one for Galway. Either Lee Keegan or Paddy Durcan will be assigned to Walsh and the other Mayo backs should be good enough to silence the Galway front line. The middle third will be a huge battle ground in this game. Galway need to be on top here to stop the Mayo half-backs launching attacks.

 

LAST FIVE CHAMPIONSHIP CLASHES 

2019: Mayo 2-13 Galway 1-13 (Qualifier Round 4) 

2018: Galway 1-12 Mayo 0-12 (Connacht quarter-final) 

2017: Galway 0-15 Mayo 1-11 (Connacht semi-final) 

2016: Galway 1-12 Mayo 0-12 (Connacht semi-final) 

2015: Mayo 1-15 Galway 2-8 (Connacht semi-final) 

LAST FIVE CONNACHT FINAL CLASHES 

2014: Mayo 3-14 Galway 0-16 

2009: Mayo 2-12 Galway 1-14 

2008: Galway 2-12 Mayo 1-14 

2005: Galway 0-10 Mayo 0-8 

2006: Mayo 0-12 Galway 1-8 

Facts and Figures

(1) James Horan led Mayo to four championship wins over Galway in 2011-13-14-19. Padraic Joyce is in his first season as Galway manager. 

(2) Mayo beat Galway by 3-23 to 0-17 in their Allianz League clash in Tuam last month. 

(3) Mayo have won two games in the Connacht championship this year, beating Leitrim by 2- 15 to 0-10 and Roscommon by 1-16 to 0-13. Sligo’s withdrawal due to Covid-19 left Galway qualifying for the final without a game. 

(4)Mayo are seeking their first Connacht title since 2015 while Galway last won it in 2018.

(5)The winners will play Cork or Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final. 

Connacht Final: Galway vs Mayo, Sunday, 15th November, 13:30 (Pearse Stadium). 

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Meath vs Kildare: Preview, TV Channel, Betting, Prediction

Meath and Kildare have had the luxury of avoiding Dublin in Leinster before a potential final. But, these two sides are well-matched and a place in the final will have to be earned. Last year, Meath made it to the Leinster decider where they lost to Dublin. Likewise, Kildare lost to Dublin in their last Leinster Final in 2017.

Live score commentary from Meath v Kildare

Last weekend, Kildare hit 0-20 to beat the challenge of Offaly. Despite their impressive scoreline, the Lilywhites were never comfortably ahead. A total of 14 wides is a very wasteful statistic and Jack O’Connor will be sure that his team rectify their efficiency in front of goal before this semi-final.

O’Connor put faith in his young guns and they rewarded him with a strong performance. Darragh Kirwan was dangerous in the forward line alongside Jimmy Hyland and the returning Daniel Flynn. In midfield, Aaron Masterson made an impressive debut by controlling the middle third.

Perhaps most impressively, Shea Ryan won his battle at full-back against Offaly’s danger man Niall McNamee. A clean sheet for Kildare is a great confidence booster, especially in the midst of knock-out Championship. But, Offaly had goal chances and O’Connor will know that Meath can threaten Mark Donnellan’s goal.

Kildare have all the tools to launch an attack on the Leinster Championship. But, they need to use them to full effect to reach their potential. The game against the royals could be exactly what they need as they will be punished for not performing.

Meath make their mark

Meath are here after beating Wicklow emphatically. On paper, the game was a mismatch and Meath proved it by turning the screw on their Division 4 opponents.

Despite being relegated from Division 1 after earning just one point on the final day, Meath were impressive against some top tier opposition. For example, they hit 0-19 against Dublin in the first game back after lockdown. Then, they showed some steel to steal a late draw with Monaghan.

As a result, Meath entered the Championship with optimism and Andy McEntee’s team proved their worth last Sunday. It was a successful Championship debut for Jordan Morris. The U-20 player scored 3-4 (two goals from the penalty spot) in an all-round impressive performance. In addition, McEntee avoided any injuries by running his bench in the final 20 minutes. Last year’s Leinster finalists never let up. To illustrate, they scored 4 goals in the final 15 minutes.

This prolific attitude in front of goal is exactly what could see them past Kildare.

Whatever team emerges victorious on Sunday will go into the Leinster final well prepared for what comes next.

This game is live on RTÉ News’ Channel.

Paddy Power expect Meath to win. They’re 8/11 as opposed to Kildare’s 11/8. A draw is far from unlikely and is priced at 15/2.

Prediction: Draw. This could be a high-scoring shootout in which a goal could prove to be a game winner. If it does go to extra time, Meath may just have that extra bit in the tank.

Facts and Figures

They last met in the championship three years ago when Kildare won a Leinster semi-final  by nine points. 

LAST FIVE CHAMPIONSHIP CLASHES 

2017: Kildare 2-16 Meath 0-13 (Leinster semi-final) 

2014: Meath 2-16 Kildare 0-17 (Leinster semi-final) 

2012: Meath 1-17 Kildare 1-11 (Leinster semi-final) 

2011: Kildare 0-16 Meath 0-10 (Leinster quarter-final) 

2010: Kildare 2-17 Meath 1-12 (All-Ireland quarter-final) 

*Meath are attempting to reach the Leinster final for a second successive year: Kildare were last there in 2017. 

*Meath, for whom Jordan Morris scored 3-4, beat Wicklow by 7-14 to 0-7 in the quarter final. Kildare beat Offaly by 0-20 to 0-16 in their quarter-final. 

*The last competitive clash between the counties was in the 2019 Allianz League when Meath won by a point.

Team news
Kildare – Mark Donnellan; Mark Dempsey, Shea Ryan, Darragh Malone; David Hyland, Con Kavanagh, Kevin Flynn; Kevin Feely, Aaron Masterson; Matty Byrne, Ben McCormack, Paddy Brophy; Daniel Flynn, Darragh Kirwan, Jimmy Hyland.

Meath Meath (Leinster SFC v Kildare): Marcus Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Conor McGill, David Toner; Donal Keogan, Shane McEntee, Matthew Costello; Bryan Menton, Ronan Jones; Cillian O’Sullivan, Bryan McMahon, Ronan Ryan; Jordan Morris, Shane Walsh, Thomas O’Reilly.

Subs: Andrew Colgan, Eamon Wallace, Cathal Hickey, Eoin Harkin, Brian Conlon, Ethan Devine, Joey Wallace, Jason Scully, James Conlon, Donal Lenihan, Darragh Campion.

Leinster Championship Semi-Final: Meath vs Kildare, Sunday, 15th November, 13:00 (Croke Park).

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Donegal breeze past Armagh into Ulster Football Final

Donegal had little problem beating Armagh in Kingspan Breffni Park this afternoon as they dominated from the throw-in leaving the game effectively over at-half time.

The tone was set right from the off in this one as Michael Langan won the throw in and ran threw the Armagh defence to open the scoring. Eoin Bán Gallagher followed this up with a good score before 2 Rian O’ Neill frees levelled the scoring. It was one-way traffic from here though as Donegal kicked the next 8 points to leave it at 10 points to 2. Backed by a strong breeze, Jamie Brennan, Peadar Mogan, Caelan McGonnagall (2), Hugh McFadden Ryan McHugh, Niall O Donnell (2) provided the scores. Rian O’ Neill kicked a much needed free from Armagh, but it did little to slow down Donegal who dominated on Armagh’s kickouts. Peadar Mogan scored an excellent individual goal off his left foot before Langan and McHugh pointed for Donegal to leave the score at 1-12 to 0-3 at half.

Armagh started the second half with a converted free and 45 from O’Neill. But Ciaran Thompson replied with two frees of his own. From here Donegal kept Armagh at arms-length and it took until 12 minutes into the 2nd half before Jamie Clarke kicked Armagh’s first score from play. The score was 1-16 to 0-6 at the second water break. The game petered out from here as Donegal kept the scoreboard ticking over. Peadar Mogan was outstanding for Donegal, scoring 1-2 from wing-back. Declan Bonner’s men eventually ran out as 12-point winners.

Few would have seen such a one-sided match playing out beforehand and Keiran McGeeney’s poor record in the Ulster Championship has been Armagh’s downfall once again. Donegal will play Down or Cavan in the Ulster Final on November 22nd.

Dublin vs Laois: Preview, TV Channel, Betting, Prediction

Dublin reminded everyone why they are very much the team to beat with a comfortable win over Westmeath last weekend. The Champions led throughout as Dessie Farrell’s stint in the hot seat got off to a convincing start. Now, they come up against Laois. It’s been two years since Laois last featured in a Leinster final. But, that was their first appearance since 2007. After having to battle past Longford to get to this semi-final, all the odds are stacked against Mike Quirke’s team.

Laois were the slower to get going against Longford. In fact, they left it until the last 20 minutes before really getting themselves into the game. At that stage, Longford were five points up. If it wasn’t for two great saves by Niall Corbet in the Laois goal at the start of the second half, the game could have been over.

But, sensing they were on their last chance, Laois came roaring back. Seven consecutive points turned the tables and sent them through but the win was far from convincing.

There was a great spread of scorers for Laois with nine different contributors to their  1-16 tally. But, Corbet was their best player between the sticks. He will need to be at the ready again on Sunday to keep out the Dubs.

Much of the talk about Dublin going into the Championship was about how the team would transition into the post-Gavin era. Seamlessly is the apparent answer. Dublin never really left third gear. Although there are some ponderings about their lack of a goal, it’s almost as if they just decided they didn’t need one.

After going 0-4 to 0-0 up, the Dubs set the tone. From Cluxton’s precise kick-outs to Rock’s accuracy with the dead ball, the blue machine was purring. The likes of Seán Bugler and Robbie McDaid were able to get themselves on the scoresheet and claim their spot in the team.

But, it was the ever-reliable Ciarán Kilkenny who stood out. The Castleknock man dictated play from 11 and scored 5 points of his own. In addition to this, he was more than willing to help out at the other end of the pitch, popping up in defence on more than one occasion.

The only complaint Farrell can have is losing Eoin Murchan to an apparent injury. However, the Dubs in reserve are more than just second-stringers. Whatever team Farrell chooses should be too much to Laois to handle.

This semi-final is live on the RTÉ NEws Channel after Meath vs Kildare.

Dublin are a short 1/500. Meanwhile, Laois are 20/1 for an upset and a draw is 50/1.

Prediction: Dublin.

Team News

Dublin : Stephen Cluxton; Michael Fitzsimons, Jonny Cooper, Eoin Murchan; James McCarthy, John Small, Robert McDaid; Brian Fenton, Tom Lahiff; Niall Scully, Ciaran Kilkenny, Sean Bugler; Paddy Small, Con O’Callaghan, Dean Rock

Leinster Championship Semi-Final: Dublin vs Laois, Sunday, 15th November, 15:30 (Croke Park).

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Mohamed Salah the latest victim among a string of positive Covid-19 tests during international break

The Egyptian FA confirmed the forward’s positive result earlier today.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has tested positive for coronavirus, according to the Egyptian football association. He must now undergo mandatory quarantine, despite not displaying any symptoms.

Salah will undergo additional testing to further assess his condition. If tests reveal a negative result, he will not have to quarantine in the UK and will be available for selection against Leicester. He will, however, miss Egypt’s upcoming games against Togo in AFCON qualifying.

The forward was filmed enjoying himself at his brother’s wedding prior to the positive test.

Salah’s test comes as one of the many positive tests during international break amongst different squads.

Additional Covid-19 outbreaks

The FAI confirmed today that Alan Browne has tested positive. This comes after the midfielder played a full 90 minutes against England yesterday – where he had the virus according to reports. There has been no confirmation of additional positive tests between the two camps since the match, though. Alan Browne is Ireland’s second Covid-19 related absence after Callum Robinson also tested positive earlier in the week.

There has also been virus outbreaks within the Denmark and Brazil camps. Denmark missed no less than 20 of their players in a friendly against Sweden – who were also missing players due to the virus – on Wednesday. Gabriel Menino of Brazil also tested positive having trained with the Brazilian squad. Several Premier League players trained with Menino including Roberto Firmino, Alisson Becker and Alex Telles.

Norway and Israel cancelled their friendly on Tuesday, also. Israel striker Munas Dabbur contracted the virus leading to the cancellation.

This is not the first time there has been an excess of cases among players during international breaks, either. During last month’s international break there was also a series of positive test results. Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne tested positive for the virus while on Ireland duty. The Italy u21s also had an outbreak in their camp, leading them to play a weakened side against the Ireland u21s.

Another week of football is to be played with further cases likely. It’s clear that changes must be made regarding the safety of international football during these times.

Two wins for Ireland U-21’s could be enough to seal EURO 2021 qualification

Italy U-21 2-1 Iceland U-21

Italy’s late victory over third place Iceland may prove pivotal in Ireland’s EURO 2021 qualification push. The Ireland team continue to occupy second place, one point above Sweden and Iceland. Following a disappointing defeat at the hands of group leaders Italy last month, there was feeling that Jim Crawford’s men may have missed their best chance at qualifying.

However today’s match in Iceland has further heightened the importance of Ireland’s next two fixtures. A win against Iceland at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday, followed by a win in Luxembourg on Wednesday evening, should be enough to qualify for next year’s tournament.

Chance to make history by qualifying for EURO 2021

Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has been impressing whilst out on loan at Rochdale this season, and was close to getting his first senior call-up according to boss Stephen Kenny. He returns to the home of his boyhood club Shamrock Rovers on Sunday and will be hoping the Ireland team can emulate the success of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division champions.

Ireland U-21s have never qualified for a competition of this nature and Bazunu notes this as a “huge incentive” going into the final two games. But the focus remains on the Iceland game first.

Team News

Jim Crawford must continue without Adam Idah, Jayson Molumby and Dara O’Shea who have all made the step up to the senior side. Striker Jonathan Afolabi has also dropped out through injury. He is replaced by Accrington Stanley forward Ryan Cassidy.

On the flip side, Troy Parrott makes his return to the U-21 camp after recently overcoming an injury that has kept him on the sidelines for much of this season. Despite the good news, Millwall boss Gary Rowett is wary of Parrott’s fitness levels heading into the international fixtures.

Meanwhile, Bohemian’s winger Danny Grant ended his impressive breakthrough season with another goal.

Italy are odds on for automatic qualification. Five of the best-performing runners up from each group will also qualify for the competition. Ireland currently stand as the fifth best team in second place of their respective group, with a game in hand and a point behind Poland who have completed all of their games.

With the unlikely scenario of several teams below Ireland in the “runners-up group” winning their remaining fixtures, two wins should be enough to clinch qualification. Ireland’s faith is in their own hands.

Nevertheless, as many a footballer and manager would say – Gavin Bazunu included – the focus is on the next game. Ireland U-21 vs Iceland U-21 kicks off at 12.30pm on Sunday afternoon in Tallaght Stadium.

The full Ireland U-21 squad is listed below.

Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Rochdale, on loan from Manchester City), Ed McGinty (Sligo Rovers)

Defenders: Nathan Collins (Stoke City), Darragh Leahy (Dundalk), Conor Masterson (Queens Park Rangers), Mark McGuinness (Ipswich Town, on loan from Arsenal), Danny McNamara (St Johnstone, on loan from Millwall), Lee O’Connor (Tranmere Rovers, on loan from Celtic), Thomas O’Connor (Gillingham, on loan from Southampton), Liam Scales (Shamrock Rovers)

Midfielders: Conor Coventry (West Ham United), Luca Connell (Celtic), Will Ferry (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Danny Mandroiu (Bohemians), Connor Ronan (Grasshopper Zurich, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers), Anthony Scully (Lincoln City), Jack Taylor (Peterborough United)

Forwards: Ryan Cassidy (Accrington Stanley, on loan from Watford), Zack Elbouzedi (Lincoln City), Danny Grant (Bohemians), Joshua Kayode (Carlisle United, on loan from Rotherham United), Michael Obafemi (Southampton), Troy Parrott (Millwall, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)

5 Names who could be the Next Tyrone Manager

On Wednesday afternoon, mummers emerged from Tyrone that Mickey Harte had a request for a one-year extension as manager refused. Niall Gartland of the Ulster Herald and Gaelic Life broke the story. Harte signed a three-year contract with Tyrone in 2017 that will expire in 2020. If he is to remain at the helm, he may have to interview among other candidates.

Harte first took charge of the Tyrone team in 2003. That season he steered them to their maiden All-Ireland win.

Since then, he has led his teams to six Ulster Senior Championship titles and three All-Irelands. This followed a successful tenure with Tyrone underage teams.

If Harte should leave his role as manager for 2021, it will be interesting to see how Tyrone choose to move forward. Will they promote from inside as they did in 2003 or will they look outside their current set-up for a fresh input?

Along with the senior position, the U20 and minor management positions are also scheduled for a reshuffle. Hence, the timing could be right to move an underage manger up.

Here are five possible candidates for the next Tyrone manager.

1. Peter Canavan.

The Tyrone legend won two All-Ireland’s under Mickey Harte and is the first name many people will suggest to be his successor.

Canavan has managed before. Firstly, he had two years as the head man in Fermanagh. Secondly, he brought Cavan Gaels to a club Championship that seen as a huge success. Then, he was a part of Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher’s backroom team that brought Tyrone U21s to All-Ireland glory in 2015.

However, Canavan is currently enjoying success as a pundit with Sky Sports. Furthermore, he has openly said he won’t take on the Tyrone senior job while he has family on the team: “If Mickey opts out, I’ll not be involved in managing a team where I’ve a son and a son-in-law involved.”. Hence, fans shouldn’t hold their breath on this one.

2. Paul Devlin.

The current Tyrone U20 manager. Like Mickey Harte, Devlin is under a contract that ends in 2020.

After a slow start to his term as manager, Devlin’s team came good. Back-to-back Ulster Championships in 2019 and 2020 was as far as his teams got. Recently, they lost a tight semi-final to Dublin.

A youthful injection is perhaps something Tyrone need. Devlin has worked with many of the younger players on the squad so he knows them well. An internal promotion worked before so the Tyrone hierarchy may decide to stick to the trend.

3. Feargal Logan (and Brian Dooher).

The U21 winning manager in 2015. Among Logan’s team were Kieran McGeary, Lee Brennan, Mark Bradley, Conor Meyler, Cathal McShane, Rory Brennan, Padraig Hampsey, Michael Cassidy and Frank Burns, all who are senior squad players now. After so long under one manager, it may be a smooth transition if a familiar face comes into the dressing room.

4. Sean Cavanagh.

Cavanagh was an excellent servant to Mickey Harte during his inter-county career. Since retiring in 2017 he has enjoyed success at club level. The ‘youthful’ option, Cavanagh knows Harte’s ways and has been closer to the action recently than some other contenders. So, his insight would highly valued.

But, it’s maybe too soon for Cavanagh to take this job and he could opt to cut his teeth as part of a backroom team first.

5. Gavin McGilly.

Firstly, McGilly was a part of the management team that saw St. Mary’s win a famous Sigerson Cup in 2017 by beating a loaded UCD team. Then, he took Sean Cavanagh’s club Moy to Intermediate All-Ireland glory in 2018.

Now, he has the head job at St. Mary’s and is a part of Paddy Tally’s backroom team at Down. He has no shortage of management experience but would be an outsider to succeed Harte.

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/5-biggest-gaa-shocks-this-century/

https://twitter.com/Niall_Gartland/status/1326652065951715329

Garbally Players Colm Reilly & Conor Kenny get their first Connacht starts

Former Garbally players Colm Reilly and Conor Kenny are set to make their first starts for Connacht against the Scarlets this weekend. Last time out in Edinburgh, the 21-year-old scrum-half Reilly came off the bench. Now, Andy Friend gives him the nod to start this time around.

Kenny meanwhile has made 7 appearances as a replacement since making his debut at the start of last season. The tighthead prop starts for the first time alongside Shane Delahunt and Paddy McAllister who also enjoys his first start of the campaign.

Kenny is another product of the Connacht grassroots system, having played for Buccaneers RFC and Garbally College where he won a Connacht Schools Cup.

Reilly was a part of the Ireland U-20 team that won a 6 Nations Grand Slam in 2019. The young ball-slinger made four appearances in that famous win. Furthermore, he scored an excellent solo try against Wales in the title-clinching finale.

Connacht rewarded Reilly with his first professional contract in June of this year after coming through the academy. With a selection of top scrum-halves already in Connacht, Reilly is learning from the best.

Previously, he came on against Edinburgh for the closing eight minutes. Connacht won that game comfortably in the end, making it a memorable debut for Reilly.

In 2018, Reilly was a key member of the Garbally team that won the Connacht Senior Cup. In fact, he scored a try in that 45-26 win over Coláiste Iognáid.

The Ballinasloe college is the most successful team in that tournament with a proud rugby history. Reilly joins an impressive list of alumni to go on and play rugby at the top level including Tiernan O’Hallaran, Ciaran Fitzgerald, Noel Mannion, Ray McLoughlin, Johnny O’Connor, Tiernan O’Halloran & Willie Ruane the current CEO of Connacht Rugby.

Reilly’s father Stephen is a former principal of the distinguished secondary school. Hence, the Ballinasloe native’s debut is even more reason to be proud.

Having also played rugby for Ballinasloe, Reilly will have a large support group watching on when he takes to the field this weekend.

With Kieran Marmion also available to Connacht this weekend, Colm Reilly will start the game before making way for the Ireland international.

Watch Colm introduce himself here: https://fb.watch/1IR17dDv30/

Commenting ahead of the game, Head Coach Andy Friend said:

“While having two postponed games was disappointing, we’ve made sure to take a positive approach to the situation. We’ve had a great few weeks training and it’s given some players the opportunity to reach full fitness again. It’s also our first home game in six weeks so we’re looking forward to that.”

Regarding his team selection, Friend added:

“In Conor and Colm we have two more Academy graduates making their first starts which is a real positive for us as a club. We’ve also got plenty of experience available to us again since the Edinburgh game, like Jack Carty, Ultan Dillane, Kieran Marmion and Matt Healy. So we’re in a healthy spot overall and we can’t wait to get back playing.”

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