Dara O'Shea reflected on the Republic of Ireland's October Nations League window, while Seamus Coleman remains involved with the squad. The Republic of Ireland are preparing to face Austria in a return fixture.
The October test
During a four-game Nations League schedule, Heimir Hallgrimsson's Republic of Ireland side lost away to Kosovo and drew at home to Austria.
The Republic of Ireland faced Israel twice on neutral territory. The first game ended in a 3-0 victory for the Republic of Ireland in Hungary. The game looked in doubt when training was delayed as players took a vote on whether to play amid protests over the Israel-Gaza war. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for selection for the game in Hungary.
The Republic of Ireland and Israel drew 1-1 in their second meeting in Serbia. O'Shea missed that game for personal reasons.
O'Shea said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
O'Shea's captaincy
O'Shea stepped in as captain in the absence of injured skipper Nathan Collins. O'Shea is the Ipswich Town captain.
He said: “I think I was quite lucky, I am really proud to be part of the group, with some great people in it.”
O'Shea said: “Even the players playing now as well, they are great leaders themselves. I never felt I was fully alone in having to do anything”
He also said: “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.”
O'Shea welcomed the return of Nathan Collins and Seamus Coleman, saying: “It's great to have them back. It would have been great if they were there in the last camp as well, but we had some really good people in that last camp who were doing great things.”
Nathan Collins is back to lead the Republic of Ireland team for Saturday's trip to face Austria in Linz. The Republic of Ireland's final League B3 game is at home to Kosovo on Tuesday, with both matches scheduled for 19:45 GMT.
Coleman's hybrid role
Seamus Coleman is part of the Republic of Ireland squad and has taken on a hybrid role despite not being named in Heimir Hallgrimsson's official 24-man squad.
Coleman has been without a club since leaving Everton at the end of last season, following 17 years with the Toffees. He is 38 years old.
Coleman recently said he is considering retirement.
O'Shea said: “Nathan's the captain, so it's always great to have him back in. Seamus' knowledge is so, so valuable to us. I think we are a stronger group when we have them two with us.”
John O'Shea on Coleman's impact
Republic of Ireland assistant coach John O'Shea is delighted to have Coleman around the squad.
John O'Shea said of Coleman's role on the training pitch: “It's us helping Seamus and Seamus helping us.”
He added: “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.”
John O'Shea said: “Not much has changed.”
