Photo via BBC Sport

'Don't put pressure on us' over Israel games - Ogbene

Republic of Ireland squad member Chiedozie Ogbene has urged the public to refrain from placing unfair expectations on the team regarding upcoming fixtures against Israel. Ireland is scheduled to play away and home legs in Debrecen, Hungary on Sunday and Backa Topola, Serbia on 4 October, respectively, amid growing domestic calls for a boycott over the conflict in Gaza.

Following a recent 1-0 loss to Kosovo in Pristina, interim skipper Dara O'Shea noted that the players plan to convene to address the situation. Ogbene emphasized that the squad should not shoulder the responsibility for resolving complex political matters that properly fall to other decision-makers.