Hibs youngster Owen Elding made his senior international debut for the Republic of Ireland’s in Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Kosovo at Fadil Vokrri Stadium.
The 20-year-old was introduced for the last few minutes of their UEFA Nations League clash in Pristina, marking his long-awaited debut for Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side.
A goal by Vedat Muriqi for Kosovo in the last ten minutes was all that separated the two sides.
The Republic will now face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, for a Uefa Nations League ‘away’ match on Sunday. which is due to kick-off at 7.45pm.
There had been doubt on whether the fixture would go ahead after a news conference and a training session were delayed earlier today.
Had the team refused to play the game they could have been subject to warnings or fines from UEFA.
However in a statement on Saturday afternoon, the FAI confirmed the game would go ahead.
“The association made this decision following consultation with the Republic of Ireland players who shared different views and a majority expressed that the fixtures should be played,” the statement read.
“The association respects the views of all players involved and appreciates the level of sensitivity concerning these fixtures.”
The Republic of Ireland players intend to wear black armbands “in recognition of all lives lost in the [Gaza] conflict”
The players also to make a “significant contribution to charitable donation by virtue of both [Israel] match fees and also the fixture against Austria at the Aviva [Stadium in Dublin on Thursday.”
