Nathan Collins aware of ‘scar tissue’ in Ireland camp after Israel games

Résumé détaillé

Dara O’Shea wore the captain’s armband in Collins’ absence but missed the Israel game in Serbia due to the birth his second child, with Caoimhín Kelleher taking over as skipper.…

Nathan Collins visibly winced before putting words to how he felt watching the Republic of Ireland play Israel in the two Nations League games in September and October.

The Ireland captain was absent for the game due to a calf injury, although he visited the camp in Castleknock between the Israel fixtures in Hungary and Serbia. He was also around the team for the 2-2 draw with Austria at the Aviva.

“It was probably more stressful away from it than it might have been in it,” said Collins, speaking ahead of Ireland’s training session in Linz ahead of Saturday’s game against Austria.

“I had no control over anything, I could only see what I could see online and that made it really tough.

[ Séamus Coleman out for Ireland’s Nations League game against AustriaOpens in new window ]

“I did feel like I let the lads down by not being there, not being involved, it was tough. So when we had that opportunity, Austria at home, [I wanted] to see the lads and give them a hug.

Collins said it was difficult watching the 3-0 win over Israel in Debrecen, where goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan in the opening 25 minutes secured the three points.

“I was celebrating the goals and that win was probably one of the best moments I’ve had as an Irish fan. I was celebrating in my room, just shouting, so seeing them at home against Austria, I just let it all out.”

The 1-1 draw with Israel in Backa Topola that followed leaves Ireland third in Group B3 after four matches, level on five points with Kosovo (but behind them due to the head-to-head result) and three points off leaders Austria.

Début de l'article, extrait de The Irish Times. Pour lire la suite, ouvrez l'article chez le média.