Team news: Kelleher captains Ireland, Dunne in for O'Shea

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Team news: Caoimhin Kelleher captains the Republic of Ireland against Israel, Jimmy Dunne in for absent Dara O'Shea Updated / Sunday, 4 Oct 2026 18:39 Caoimhín Kelleher assumes the captaincy in Serbia tonight Caoimhin Kelleher will captain the Republic of Ireland in their UEFA Nations League match against Israel in the absence of Dara O'Shea while Jimmy Dunne replaces the defender in the back five. The Boys in Green will face Israel in the second of their controversial group fixtures against the Israelis in a 7.45pm kick-off Irish time tonight.

The match in Backa Topola, Serbia is Ireland's designated home match. On the decision not to include Azaz in the starting line-up for the second time against Israel, Hallgrimsson said it was not related to the Southampton midfielder's Israeli heritage.

Heimir Hallgrimsson confirms Jimmy Dunne replaces the absent Dara O'Shea for Israel game in Serbia, while Finn Azaz starts the game on the bench due to fitness - 'obviously emotional fitness is an important factor in players' #rtesoccer https://t.co/E9uNkWFa2j — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 4, 2026 Like last week's 'away' game, which Hallgrimsson's side won 3-0, Ireland will repeat the gestures they made during that match. Israel will also wear black armbands for this match after receiving approval from UEFA.