Middlesbrough's's international stars could remain on home shores owing to coronavirus fears

Middlesbrough’s Northern Ireland internationals could be set to remain on home shores – with their Euro 2020 play-off semi-final clash with Bosnia & Herzegovina in doubt.
Paddy McNairPaddy McNair
Paddy McNair

Paddy McNair and George Saville have both been named in the squad for game, with Northern Ireland potentially just two wins away from qualifying for the summer tournament.

But the national association for Bosnia & Herzegovina have now confirmed that they have asked UEFA to postpone the semi-final tie as coronavirus continues to spread.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The winners of the semi-final will face either Slovakia or the Republic of Ireland at the end of the month and, while the home nation recognise there will be scheduling difficulties, they have requested the game be postponed.

A statement read: "The FF BH administration is in constant contact with UEFA, and according to the latest information the play-off matches will not be postponed due to the impossibility of setting new dates in the competition calendar," it added.

"Accordingly, the FF BH expects further instructions from UEFA and will respect all recommendations, orders and instructions of the competent authorities regarding holding public events in Bosnia and Herzegovina."

Ticket sales for the clash have already been halted, with a number of international games - such as the other semi-final between the Republic of Ireland and Slovakia – set to be played behind closed doors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Any cancellation of Northern Ireland’s fixture could also affect Sunderland, with Tom Flanagan, Kyle Lafferty and Conor McLaughlin in the squad.

The latest on football and the coronavirus: