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.
During a four-game Nations League schedule, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side lost away to Kosovo and drew at home to Austria – who they are preparing to face in return fixtures – but it was two games against Israel which tested their resolve.
O’Shea stepped in as captain in the absence of injured skipper Nathan Collins and the 27-year-old acknowledged it “was a tough situation to be in” as they faced Israel in two games on neutral territory.
The first of those resulted in a 3-0 victory for the Irish in Hungary, a game that looked in doubt the previous day when training was delayed as players took a vote on whether to play – amid protests over the Israel-Gaza war – with goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu making himself unavailable for selection.
The sides drew 1-1 in the second meeting in Serbia and, while the saga proved a challenge for all within the Republic of Ireland squad, O’Shea – who missed the second game for personal reasons – paid tribute to his team-mates for the support he received as stand-in skipper.
“I think I was quite lucky, I am really proud to be part of the group, with some great people in it,” said the Ipswich Town captain.
“Even the players playing now as well, they are great leaders themselves. I never felt I was fully alone in having to do anything
“There were always people around me. I always keep level-headed, I don’t get too high with the highs or too low with the lows.”
He added: “Of course it was a difficult time, it was a time that I had to learn stuff about myself, how I was going to react to things. But I think as a group we did excellently.
“It was a tough situation to be in, but we overcame it as best we could. And I am really proud of the group and the staff.”