Bosnia report two positive coronavirus cases ahead of Northern Ireland play-off

Winger Haris Duljevic and Rusmir Cviko, the Bosnia and Herzegovina number two, each returned positive tests ahead of the Sarajevo match.

A statement on Monday said: “The results of regular testing for coronavirus, which was performed before today’s gathering of the national team, showed that Bosnian national team member Haris Duljevic positive for Sars-Cov-2.

“A positive test result also arrived for assistant coach Rusmir Cviko.

“Neither of them shows symptoms of Covid-19 disease, but they will enter self-isolation.”

It is also understood Milan Duric has been called up into the Bosnia squad in place of the injured Elvir Koljic.

Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough is backing his players to embrace the EURO 2020 play-off pressure on Thursday.

Captain Steven Davis could set a Northern Ireland caps record in Sarajevo but Baraclough has highlighted the collective drive to reach a ‘renowned worldwide’ tournament finals as the ultimate overall incentive for his 26-strong panel.

Victory in the Path B play-off this week would set up a final showdown in Belfast on November 12 against either Slovakia or Republic of Ireland and Baraclough is relishing the challenge.

“There’s a definite focus on making sure we are in the final come next month to give ourselves a chance to get to the Euros,” he said. “Players want to be there. Players want to experience the feeling of being at a competition that is renowned worldwide now and being on the biggest stage, so there’s no bigger incentive.

“He (Steven) does the things right leading up to a game.

“We’re fortunate that he took a rest on Sunday for Rangers, it’s allowed him to have a really good run-up to the game and I expect him to lead the team out.

“Jonny Evans has reported last night and this morning to be OK...nothing to worry about.

“We’ve just one or two bumps and bruises that you would expect, but no major issues.

“Hopefully everyone will be there on Thursday to choose from.

“I don’t mind this (the rain), this keeps it slick, it makes sure the ball moves quickly and the lads run around and keep warm.

“We’re used to this weather, let’s bring it across with us.”

Northern Ireland switch focus back to the Nations League on Sunday against Austria in Belfast before facing Norway away next Wednesday.

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