O’Shea proud of how team-mates handled Israel games

Dara O’Shea says he is proud of how the Republic of Ireland squad supported one another through a difficult October international window. Standing in as captain while Nathan Collins was injured, he faced the challenge of leading the team during two matches against Israel, played amid protests over the Israel-Gaza war.

Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Hungary and drew 1-1 in Serbia, while also losing to Kosovo and drawing with Austria in their four Nations League games. A vote on whether to play delayed training before the first Israel match, and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable; O’Shea said he never felt alone as captain. Collins has returned for the games against Austria and Kosovo, while Seamus Coleman is with the squad in a hybrid role despite being without a club and considering retirement.