MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 05:16:59| >> :120:20062:20062:

Conor Hourihane opens up on personal coronavirus struggles

The midfielder admits the pandemic is preying on players' minds.

Conor Hourihane has admitted the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is bigger than football having himself been touched by tragedy.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder and his team-mates will head into Wednesday night's Nations League clash with Bulgaria having won none of their last 10 competitive games, a run which includes all seven fixtures since new manager Stephen Kenny took up the reins.

Ireland have not even managed to score in the last six and that has left Kenny and his players firmly in the spotlight, although Hourihane has called for a little perspective.

The 29-year-old Aston Villa midfielder said: "It's not easy whatsoever. This pandemic has influenced a lot of people.

"We're all worried about results, performances and goals and whatever – and yes, that's what we all want – but listen, I've had a family issue with Covid, somebody unfortunately passing away. It's not an easy time for people.

"People won't know what's going on in people's lives. We're all wanting results and to win games, but sometimes there are bigger things out there in life.

"This pandemic is definitely bigger than a couple of goals and a couple of results. But fingers crossed we'll get a good performance on Wednesday."

Ireland have been hit particularly badly by the virus with Callum Robinson, Alan Browne, Matt Doherty and James McClean all self-isolating after testing positive in the last week or so, while at one point last month, Kenny was without eight men under the protocols designed to protect players, staff and officials.

That has taken a psychological toll with squad members not only concerned for themselves, but also that they could take Covid-19 home with them.

Asked if he felt safe, Hourihane said: "I do feel safe. The tests are a big part of that. Not taking it home is hugely important to myself, with what has happened in the last few months in my family.

"My partner is pregnant as well, so I don't want to be taking anything back to her. There are a lot of factors. But once I don't get it and don't take it home, that's all the matters at the end of the day.

"Once everyone is safe around me, that's all that matters."

That said, Hourihane insisted he never considered not turning up for the November fixtures despite the growth in cases globally.

He said: "I love playing for Ireland. It's a very short career, it flashes by you in the blink of an eye, so any call-up I get, I'll always be here."

ID:422666: cacheID:422666:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4215:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Ross Barkley in action for Aston Villa on November 8, 2020
Read Next:
Lampard 'views Barkley as part of Chelsea future'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!