Republic of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea said he is proud of how he and his teammates came through a difficult October international window that included two UEFA Nations League games against Israel on neutral territory.
O’Shea, the 27-year-old Ipswich Town captain, served as stand-in captain while regular skipper Nathan Collins was injured. He acknowledged that it “was a tough situation to be in” as Ireland faced Israel twice during a four-game schedule under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson. Ireland lost away to Kosovo and drew at home to Austria in the other matches, and is preparing for return fixtures against both teams.
The first Israel game produced a 3-0 Ireland win in Hungary. The match had looked in doubt the previous day when training was delayed while players took a vote on whether to play amid protests over the Israel-Gaza war. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for selection. The second meeting, in Serbia, ended 1-1. O’Shea missed that game for personal reasons.
O’Shea credited the players around him with helping him manage the stand-in captaincy. He said the squad contained other leaders who shared the responsibility, so he did not feel he had to handle the difficulties of the October camp by himself. He described their support as an important part of getting through the two Israel fixtures.
He said he tries to stay balanced through both good and bad results, avoiding large emotional swings. That approach helped him during a period in which football decisions and events outside the game put unusual pressure on the players.
O’Shea said the experience required him to learn about his own reactions to difficult circumstances. Looking back, he felt the squad had dealt with the situation as well as it could, and he expressed pride in both the players and the staff.
Collins and Coleman return
Collins is back to lead Ireland for Saturday’s trip to face Austria in Linz and Tuesday’s final League B3 game at home to Kosovo. Both matches are scheduled for 19:45 GMT. Seamus Coleman is also with the squad in a hybrid role despite not being named in Hallgrimsson’s official 24-man squad.
O’Shea welcomed having Collins and Coleman back with the group, while also praising the people who had contributed during the previous camp. He said their absence in October had been felt even though others had stepped forward effectively.
Collins’ return restores the regular captain, while Coleman brings experience that O’Shea considers particularly valuable. He said the presence of both players makes Ireland a stronger group as it prepares for the final two fixtures of the Nations League campaign.
Coleman has been without a club since leaving Everton at the end of last season, after 17 years with the Toffees. The 38-year-old defender recently said he is considering retirement. Republic of Ireland assistant coach John O’Shea said he is delighted to have the Donegal native around the squad.
John O’Shea described Coleman’s involvement as helpful in both directions, with the staff supporting him while he contributes to the squad. The assistant coach said Coleman still showed quality in training and continued to challenge and encourage teammates, qualities that remained apparent despite his period without a club.