Dara O'Shea credits Ireland squad support after difficult Israel fixtures

Dara O'Shea has described the support he received from Republic of Ireland team-mates while standing in as captain during October's difficult international window. Speaking in comments reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, the Ipswich Town defender said the squad and staff had helped one another through the controversy surrounding two Nations League matches against Israel.

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O'Shea, 27, took over the captaincy while Nathan Collins was injured. Ireland played four Nations League games during the window, losing away to Kosovo and drawing at home to Austria alongside the two Israel fixtures. O'Shea said other players had shown leadership throughout the camp, and that he had not felt he was dealing with its challenges alone.

The first Israel match, played in Hungary, ended in a 3-0 Ireland victory. Its staging had been uncertain the previous day, when training was delayed while players voted on whether to participate amid protests over the Israel-Gaza war. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for selection. The teams subsequently drew 1-1 in Serbia, with O'Shea absent from that second meeting for personal reasons.

Reflecting on his experience, O'Shea said the situation had tested how he responded to difficulties, but praised the way the group had managed it. He credited colleagues with providing support and said he tried to remain level-headed through both positive and negative moments. His account acknowledged the strain on the squad without suggesting that he had carried the responsibility by himself.

Collins has now returned to lead the side, while Seamus Coleman is also working with the group in what the BBC described as a hybrid role, despite not appearing in Heimir Hallgrimsson's official 24-player squad. O'Shea welcomed both players' presence, highlighting Coleman's experience and saying the team was stronger with the pair involved.

Coleman, 38, has been without a club since leaving Everton at the end of last season after 17 years there, and has said he is considering retirement. Ireland assistant coach John O'Shea described the current arrangement as mutually beneficial. He praised Coleman's contribution on the training pitch, including his quality and the demands he places on others in the group.