By Jonny Drury TheSportReport
Newtown were facing a huge task to get something from their UEFA Conference League Qualifier against Dundalk on Thursday – but it could be even bigger with the side potentially missing four players due to Covid tests.
Clubs involved in Europe are required to undergo Covid testing three times ahead of a game, and three players returned positive tests in the first round.
A further one returned positive in the second round, and the squad are now in self isolation ahead of a third round of testing this week.
Manager Chris Hughes is hopeful some of them may be available if they return negative tests, with the club in discussions with UEFA and the Irish Government on the next steps.
He admits it has been less than ideal preparation for such a big game.
“We’ve had four cases and it has disturbed our training and we haven’t had as much time to train as a group,” said Hughes.
“It is a difficult situation, we aren’t a side who can go in bubbles like we’ve seen in the Euros, players have jobs and families and are out in the external world.
“With new variants at the moment it has caused us a problem.
“We are speaking with the Government and the FAW, to see what can happen with then.
“Because we’re going to a different country it is more difficult, but we’ll have to wait and see who we have available and go from there.”