Derry City boss Declan Devine urges everyone to stick to government coronavirus guidelines

The Brandywell boss, alongside his back-room team, players and those at Dundalk, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers, will be tested for a second time on Monday and believes last week's COVID-19 tests are only the first steps on a possible return to football in the country.

"We are no different to the general public," explained Devine. "We are looking at the guidelines and various restrictions that are being put out on a daily basis. We are exactly the same as anyone in that regard. Yes, we have had a test; yes, we all want to be back playing but we also have a duty - as everybody does - in terms of fulfilling the criteria which is needed to get this pandemic over and done with once and for all. It's key we all do our bit whether you are a footballer or whatever.

"Yes, it was positive news after our tests that no one has coronavirus but I think that only enhances the onus on us to make sure we try and keep ourselves as safe as we possibly can."

Devine conceded that some playing issues are still to be resolved but praised both the FAI and Dr. Alan Byrne (FAI Medical Director) for their tireless work behind the scenes.

"The players had a list of concerns and we addressed most of them. Monday's test was just a case of coming in one door, sit down, get a swab taken in your mouth and then go straight out a different door," he explained.

"I then had a wee chat with all the players from a social distance. It was nothing out of this world, but it was just something that had to be done and it was very relatively quick.

"It was a case of 20 seconds to get the test, then keeping our social distance and moving outside the building before a quick chat - again maintaining social distancing guidelines - about how we move forward now.

"One of the most important factors over the coming weeks according to Dr Alan Byrne (FAI Medical Director) is that if all the tests we are doing continue to be positive in terms of no one having coronavirus, he's confident that he can put a case forward in terms of everyone being good to get back.

"The pleasing thing is that now, not just everyone associated at our club, but all the players and staff from within the four teams proposed for the FAI tournament, have shown negative results in terms of COVID-19 and that's great news. However, the reality is that it is now more crucial than ever for everybody to follow guidelines in terms of what's required to pass the next set of tests. Football has to do everything that the public are doing in terms of social distancing, staying away from certain places and keeping to the rules, which are coming from the two governments

"We are due to be tested again on Monday (June 1st) and if they continue to come back with the right result then hopefully we can come back to train in small groups, in the near future."

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