Sheffield United's John Egan 'stood down' after positive Covid-19 result in Republic of Ireland camp

An unnamed player tested positive on Friday after the squad’s return from Bratislava following their Euro 2020 play-off semi-final defeat to Slovakia on Thursday night.

As a result, Egan and three other players have been removed from the matchday squad along with former Blade Callum Robinson, Callum O’Dowda and Allan Browne.

A statement on the FAI website read: "Stephen Kenny's Ireland squad has received one positive COVID-19 test result ahead of today's Nations League game against Wales at the Aviva Stadium, after the latest round of UEFA testing.

"A player - who cannot be named at this time - tested positive on Friday after a negative test on Monday but his case is not related in any way to that of the backroom team member who tested positive on Monday last.

"Talks with the HSE late last night identified four other players as close contacts of this positive case and they have been stood down from the matchday squad for today's game against Wales."

Egan’s fellow Sheffield United team mate David McGoldrick was already missing from the squad after picking up an abductor muscle injury in that defeat to Slovakia.

Another United defender, Enda Stevens, was named in the Republic’s starting XI to take on Ryan Giggs’ side.

The Republic are also due to face Finland in the Nations League later this week before the players return to their respective clubs.