Republic of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea said he is proud of how he and his team-mates came through a trying October international window. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side faced a four-game Nations League schedule that included matches against Kosovo, Austria, and two games against Israel on neutral territory.
Navigating a Difficult International Camp
O’Shea stepped in as captain in the absence of injured skipper Nathan Collins and acknowledged it was a tough situation to be in. The first fixture against Israel resulted in a 3-0 victory in Hungary, a match that appeared in doubt the previous day when training was delayed as players voted on whether to play amid protests over the Israel-Gaza war, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for selection.
The teams subsequently drew 1-1 in the second meeting in Serbia. O’Shea missed the second match for personal reasons, but he paid tribute to his team-mates for their support during his time as stand-in skipper, telling BBC Sport that he never felt fully alone because great leaders surrounded him.
Reflecting on the period, O’Shea stated to BBC Sport that it was a difficult time where he learned about himself and how he would react to things. He added that the group and staff did excellently to overcome a tough situation as best they could.
Returns of Collins and Coleman
Collins has returned to lead the team for the upcoming trip to face Austria in Linz and the final League B3 home fixture against Kosovo. Seamus Coleman is also part of the setup, taking on a hybrid role despite missing out on manager Hallgrimsson’s official 24-man squad.
O’Shea noted that it is great to have both players back, adding that while they were missed in the previous camp, Nathan is the captain and Seamus brings valuable knowledge that makes the group stronger.
Coleman has been a free agent since leaving Everton at the conclusion of last season after 17 years with the club. Although the 38-year-old defender recently mentioned he is considering retirement, assistant coach John O’Shea expressed delight to have him around the squad to help on the training pitch.
“To see the impact he’s having, the quality that remains in his ability and the driving and pushing he’s doing for everyone in the group has been good to see,” O’Shea said regarding Coleman’s ongoing presence, noting that not much has changed.
