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

O'Shea captained Ireland through a contentious October window featuring two Israel games on neutral ground amid Gaza war protests, with the squad drawing praise for their resolve.

Republic of Ireland defender Dara O'Shea expressed pride in how the squad navigated a challenging October international window, during which they faced two games against Israel on neutral territory amid protests over the Gaza conflict.

O'Shea stepped in as captain in the absence of injured skipper Nathan Collins during the four-game Nations League schedule. The first Israel fixture, played in Hungary, saw Ireland win 3-0 after training was delayed the previous day when players voted on whether to play; goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for selection.

The second meeting in Serbia ended 1-1. O'Shea missed that game for personal reasons but praised his teammates for their support during his captaincy.

"I think as a group we did excellently," O'Shea said. "It was a tough situation to be in, but we overcame it as best we could." Collins returns to lead the team for Saturday's trip to Austria in Linz and Tuesday's home game against Kosovo. Seamus Coleman, without a club since leaving Everton, is also back in the squad in a hybrid role.