Kelleher leads Ireland as Dunne replaces O'Shea for Israel clash

Caoimhín Kelleher will captain the Republic of Ireland in their UEFA Nations League tie with Israel after Dara O'Shea withdraws. Jimmy Dunne replaces the absent defender in the back five. The match is a designated home game in Backa Topola, Serbia, with a 7.45pm Irish kick‑off tonight.

Line‑up changes after Austria draw

Heimir Hallgrimsson has made four alterations to the side that drew 2‑2 with Austria at Aviva Stadium on Thursday night. The changes form part of a broader reshuffle following that result.

Kelleher takes the armband, while Dunne fills O'Shea’s place. Jason Knight moves to right wing‑back in place of the suspended James Abankwah, and Finn Azaz drops out of the starting XI. Jayson Molumby steps into midfield and Jake O'Brien replaces John Egan in the back three.

Emotional fitness and squad absences

O'Shea left the squad to be with his wife as she prepares for childbirth, and Hallgrimsson gave the Ipswich Town defender his blessing to travel to London. Abankwah misses out after receiving a second yellow card in the Nations League window against Austria.

Hallgrimsson said Azaz’s omission is “mostly fitness. Obviously, emotional fitness is also an important factor in players.” He added the midfielder played the full 90 minutes against Austria, took a toll and suffered a minor knock.

Gestures ahead of the Israel clash

Josh Keeley replaces Gavin Bazunu among the substitute goalkeepers, with Bazunu opting out of both games against Israel. Joel Bagan and returning Bosun Lawal also join the matchday squad.

The Boys in Green will face Israel in the second of their controversial head‑to‑head fixtures. Both teams will wear black armbands in recognition of lives lost in Gaza, and there will be no handshakes or pre‑match pennant exchanges. The referee is Juan Martínez Munuera from Spain.

Israel will also don black armbands after UEFA approval, with the Israeli FA citing the October 7 massacre. Dor Peretz captains the side, Liel Abada retains his place and West Ham’s Solomon sits on the bench after Israel’s 0‑0 draw with Kosovo.