Missing Israel games ‘stressful’ for captain Collins

Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins says missing the two Nations League matches against Israel left him feeling he had abandoned his team-mates during a difficult period. The Brentford defender was out with a calf injury and watched the squad navigate the fixtures amid protests over the Israel-Gaza war; he says the experience has left the group more closely bonded as it returns its focus to football.

Ireland sit third in Group B3 and need strong results away to Austria on Saturday and at home to Kosovo on Tuesday to retain a chance of topping the group and earning promotion. Collins returns after missing all four matches in the previous window, while Seamus Coleman is not expected to play against Austria; five Irish players are one booking from suspension. Group leaders Austria are also without several injured players, including Xaver Schlager and Alexander Prass.