Stephen Kenny has accused opponents Malta of engaging in a pitch battle ahead of tonight’s friendly in Valletta.
His players were not allowed to train on the Ta’ Qali Stadium pitch on Saturday evening, so were forced to go through their final preparations on the Maltese FA’s training pitch across the road from the 17,000-capacity ground.
It’s standard practice for teams to be allowed to train the day before an international on the matchday surface.
And Kenny was sure UEFA would intervene - but Europe’s governing body told the FAI to go back to their Maltese counterparts, who dug in their heels.
Asked if there were any injuries ahead of tonight’s game, Kenny replied: “No injuries, no enforced changes.
“The only thing that has been forced is that we're not allowed to train in the stadium, which is a surprise to me because that's never happened before.
“I've never had that, even in European games. They've said we can't use the stadium.
“The pitch looked fine in the match I've seen (Malta’s draw with Greece last Thursday), but we're not allowed to train on it, we've got to train at a training ground here out the back.
“It is what it is, we'll make the best of it.”
Kenny added: “We went to UEFA with it but UEFA have said it's the Maltese FA or whatever.
“To be honest it's new territory… we're not going to get hung up on it, we're just going to be professional and train accordingly.”
The Maltese players also trained yesterday across from the Ta’ Qali Stadium - and the reason given to the FAI was that part of the pitch was re-seeded.
“I was aware (of the situation) in the middle of the week but was hopeful we’d come to an arrangement,” said Kenny.
“It’s most unusual but we’ll get on with it. I don’t want to make too much of an issue.”
READ NEXT:
RTE viewers praise 'bold' Eamon Dunphy after legendary pundit takes aim at Qatar on Late Late Show
Aldo's Malta magic, celebrating with the fans & why the World Cup is a turn-off
Rory McIlroy storms into contention at DP World Tour Championship
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
