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Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has confirmed that Sunday's Nations League match against Israel will proceed as scheduled in Serbia. He also addressed recent controversies, stating that he is unaware of any player meeting regarding the game and condemning what he described as 'lies' spread about Gavin Bazunu's status in the squad. Bazunu will remain in camp until Friday before returning to his club, while Josh Keely will be added as the third-choice goalkeeper for the Israel match.
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has confirmed that Sunday’s Nations League game against Israel will go ahead as planned in Serbia. Hallgrímsson also told the media on Wednesday that he is not aware of a player meeting in advance of Sunday’s game.
“The FAI has said we are playing both games and we will fulfil that,” Hallgrimsson said ahead of tomorrow night’s game against Austria at the Aviva Stadium in which protests are expected. “That was our intention when we came into this camp. It has been really, really tough, especially on the players, but we are trying to focus on Austria. It is already decided that we are going to fulfil the games.
” When asked if a situation could develop on Friday similar to last week in Hungary when the players had to vote on playing Israel the day before the game, Hallgrímsson said: “No, but we thought that as well before the first game. ” Gavin Bazunu has remained in camp to provide goalkeeping cover behind Caoimhín Kelleher, although the Bolton Wanderers player will return to his club on Friday.
Luton Town’s Josh Keely will be added to the matchday squad to face Israel as the third choice keeper behind Kelleher and Max O’Leary.
“Gavin is a great lad. I’ve always had a good relationship with him,” Hallgrímsson said.
“It is probably more tough for him than the other players but they have really welcomed him. “There have been a lot of lies said around all of this,” Hallgrímsson added. “But we welcome him back. And that he is taking part is amazing and it shows his character as well, to be with us.
I want to give him praise for that. I want to give the players praise for how welcome they have been with him.
“Life goes on. Gavin is a part this group. It shows how strong the bond is between these players. Even a thing like this is not breaking us.
We are sticking together. ” Hallgrímsson would not go into specifics about “the lies” he alluded to. He also revealed that he has spoken to the injured Ireland captain Nathan Collins and former captain Séamus Coleman in recent days.
“I have, I need advice as well. They are the leaders who have experience. But none of us have experienced a situation like this. We are inventing as we go.
“When we look back in two or three weeks we will see we could have done things better. But, hopefully, in time, we will see that we took more right decisions than wrong ones.
” Ireland will repeat their break in protocol during the 3-0 defeat of Israel in Hungary this Sunday in the Serbian town of Bačka Topola by wearing black armbands in memory of all lives lost during the conflict in Gaza, bowing their heads for the Israeli anthem and not shaking hands with their opponents before or after the game. Bosun Lawal joined the camp on Monday, but he is not fit enough to play against Austria, while Jimmy Dunne is nursing an ankle issue.
There was an increased security presence on the road into the national sports campus in Abbotstown this morning with journalists having to show identification at two separate checkpoints.
Heimir Hallgrímsson Republic Of Ireland Nations League Gavin Bazunu Israel Serbia Football Controversy
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