Uefa Nations League: Dara O'Shea 'proud' of how Republic of Ireland handled Israel games

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."