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An Irish League football club has confirmed that one of its players has tested positive for coronavirus.

Linfield issued a statement on Tuesday evening after the unnamed player had tested positive for Covid-19.

The Premiership champions said in a statement: "Linfield FC can confirm that one of our players has tested positive for coronavirus.

"This club is taking advice from the relevant authorities and will provide an update when we have further details."

It is understood that a deep clean of Windsor Park has started with the stadium expected to be closed for 48 hours.

Linfield's players are also expected to be tested for coronavirus, with the club potentially being ruled out of playing football for the next two weeks.

Blues chairman Roy McGivern revealed earlier in the day that the player did not take part in training on Monday night as a precaution against coronavirus.

It was also reported that the player chose to self-isolate following recent contact with a player from Armagh club Hanover FC who tested positive for the virus.

Linfield chairman McGivern tweeted on Tuesday evening: "Very unpleasant news that one of our players has tested positive for Covid-19.

"The priority now is to look after the welfare of our players and staff. Issues around football will be addressed in due course."

It was confirmed at the weekend that a player from Hanover FC had tested positive for cononavirus.

The diagnosis was made after he had played in a Mid Ulster Football League game against Coagh United reserves.

The Public Health Agency confirmed on Tuesday morning that the total number of coronavirus cases in Northern Ireland had increased to 16 following four more positive tests, while 34 positive cases have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.

The PHA said: “All four cases are adults. One case involved recent travel from Northern Italy. Three of the cases can be traced to a previously reported case that involved recent travel to Northern Italy.

“The Public Health Agency is currently undertaking contact tracing for all four cases. As of 9.00am on Tuesday 10 March testing has resulted in four new presumed positive cases bringing the total number of cases in Northern Ireland to 16.

“All four cases are adults. One case involved recent travel from Northern Italy. Three of the cases can be traced to a previously reported case that involved recent travel to Northern Italy.

“The Public Health Agency is currently undertaking contact tracing for all four cases.”