Ireland squad to decide Israel fixture after Thursday's Austria clash

Heimir Hallgrímsson said the Republic of Ireland will first compete against Austria in a Nations League match at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday. Following that game, players will be given a day off to spend time with family before returning to evaluate the Sunday fixture against Israel, which is set to take place in Serbia. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who declined participation in the earlier Israel match, is still available for selection against Austria but will stay behind while the squad travels to Bačka Topola.

The original Israel game was played after a four-hour team discussion and an anonymous vote, which is believed to have ended 14-8 in favour of playing, though Bazunu did not vote. Irish Football Association chief executive David Courell described the vote as a “significant majority.” Hallgrímsson acknowledged the situation has been challenging but hopes it will strengthen team unity.