Lee Duffy, pictured here in action for Wexford FC, has spoken about how he suffered with the Covid-19 virus

Former League of Ireland striker Lee Duffy has revealed he was hospitalised for eight days after contracting the Covid-19 virus.

Duffy (28) confirmed the news on his Twitter account on Saturday evening, outlining how he was unable to breathe without the aid of a ventilator. He ended his message by warning the public against taking the pandemic "lightly".

Irish League club Warrenpoint Town, with whom the Navan native spent the second half of last season, posted their best wishes in a Facebook message.

Duffy spent most of his career at clubs in the Republic, having two spells at Drogheda United and others with Shelbourne, Wexford and Longford Town.

He said on Twitter: "As some of you may or may not know, I tested positive for Covid-19 two weeks ago.

"I spent eight days in hospital hooked up to oxygen as I could no longer breathe on my own, scared not knowing what was going to happen.

"Luckily I got through it and I'm starting to feel a lot better now."

"My advice to everybody is to not take this lightly, it is very serious."

Warrenpoint Town said in their statement: "Our former player Lee Duffy has spoken out about his Covid-19 virus and thankfully is on the mend. Lee is a young very fit 28 year old.

"Please take this virus seriously. It attacks all ages. Lee is in our thoughts and we pray for his continued recovery."

Another Irish League side, Linfield, had a player test positive for Covid-19 on March 10, forcing the abandonment of their game against Larne and a deep clean of Windsor Park.

The Football Association of Ireland ordered a cessation of all football matches last Thursday week, with the earliest resumption date targeted for June 19.

Online Editors