Republic of Ireland under-21 manager Stephen Kenny is calling on the Irish public to do what they can to protect medical staff during the COVID-19 crisis.
Kenny was supposed to be gearing up his players for a crucial UEFA under-21 European Championship qualifier against Iceland this week.
Instead he took the time to send out a message highlighting the efforts of those fighting the disease on our behalf.
"We've got to look after everyone in the frontline services," said Kenny in a video released by the FAI this afternoon.
"I have friends who are nurses and friends who are doctors, and when you consider that 15 doctors have died in Italy, it shows you the self-sacrifice that all of the workers on the frontline are contributing."
Kenny has pleaded with the general public to do what they can to help those on the frontline.
"I think we owe it to all of them to keep social distancing, to follow all of the government guidelines in relation to washing hands and staying at home," Kenny added.
"Let's look after ourselves, by looking after each other."
A message from Stephen Kenny.
Let's look after each other. #COVID19 | #COVID19Ireland | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/Qf7v782wvp— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) March 24, 2020
The Dubliner was supposed to be training his squad today ahead of the final home match of what has been a historic campaign.
The young Boys in Green have achieved the highest-ever points total for an under-21 qualification campaign, and with three matches still remaining.
Ireland are currently top of Group One after home and away victories against Armenia and Sweden in 2019.
They also drew with Italy at Tallaght Stadium while suffering an unlucky 1-0 loss away to Iceland.
A revenge win against the Nordic nation on Thursday would have been a huge step towards their first-ever qualification for the finals tournament.
When the finals will actually go ahead is another matter, with the European football calendar likely to see many more changes after UEFA's decision last week to postpone Euro 2020 until next year.
There have been suggestions that the under-21 finals, set to take place in Hungary and Slovenia, could also be rescheduled along with the womens Euro 2021 Championship.
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