Stephen Lowry praises clubs' efforts in Covid response

Several key figures in the local game have raised their concerns in the past week after the rising case numbers in Northern Ireland.

As a result the NI Football League announced a two-week pause to league action from Saturday evening with testing to be introduced on its resumption.

Lowry said the testing would help ease some of the concerns raised, but added he has felt safe since returning to action.

“I can only speak from my own perspective at Coleraine and the guys have been happy playing the matches and in training,” he said.

“The club has been brilliant, they have looked after us really well, they have followed all the regulations and introduced the measures required.

“As I say I feel safe and I am happy to keep going, but at the same time I can understand why the decision has been made to pause the games at the moment.

“We are classed as elite players, but the majority of us still have to go to our work as well.

“The introduction of testing will help ease some players’ worries I’m sure.

“No-one wants to spread anything on to family members so from that sense it will be nice to know if you have it or not so you’re not going to put anyone at risk.

“From that point I think testing can only be a good thing, but I have to say I've been impressed by every club I've been to since all this started.

“At Coleraine we have been so well looked after since this started and on to when we got back together again in the summer and the trips away in Europe and the domestic games.

“They have been first class to be honest.

“We all understand that in the grand scheme of things football isn’t the be all and end all.

“But at the same time when people are in lockdown football and sport in general is good for them to watch.

“We are fortunate to still be able to play at elite level,” he added.

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