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…
