Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins says missing Israel games is stressful

Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins has described the recent experience of missing games against Israel as stressful. The team currently holds third place in Group B3 and requires strong results in their upcoming fixtures against Austria in Linz and Kosovo at home on Tuesday to remain in contention for top spot and promotion to League A.

Despite the difficulties surrounding the Israel matches, Collins stated that the squad under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has emerged with greater resilience. He noted that the players are now eager to concentrate solely on footballing matters, observing that the group has bonded effectively. "I just think everyone feels very comfortable around each other. I don't think anyone is shying away, I don't think anyone feels uncomfortable in the group," Collins said. He added that the team is prepared to work hard for one another, stating: "I think we will all go through a brick wall for each other. I can only keep emphasising that we're ready to go."

Head coach Hallgrimsson confirmed that 38-year-old Seamus Coleman, who is currently with the 24-man squad in a hybrid capacity, will not play against Austria. However, the manager did not exclude the possibility of Coleman appearing in the Kosovo match, depending on the disciplinary situation of other players. Liam Scales, Jayson Molumby, Conor Coventry, Adam Idah, and Ryan Manning are all currently one yellow card away from a suspension. "On Tuesday, we don't know the situation. We can maybe answer that before that game or after this game. We have five players on a yellow," Hallgrimsson explained.

Opponents Austria, who lead the group, are facing significant injury concerns for Saturday's fixture at the Raiffeisen Arena. Manager Ralf Rangnick is missing Xaver Schlager and Alexander Prass, who scored during the draw in Dublin. Other sidelined players include David Alaba, Maximilian Wober, Nikolas Veratschnig, Paul Wanner, Patrick Wimmer, Florian Grillitsch, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Marco Grull.