Republic of Ireland defender Dara O'Shea has confirmed the squad will hold a meeting on Friday to decide whether to shake hands with their Israeli opponents ahead of their Nations League fixture.
Ireland are scheduled to face Israel twice during the extended three-week international break, with the first match taking place in Hungary on Sunday. The question of the pre-match handshake was put to O'Shea during a press conference alongside head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson ahead of Thursday's Nations League trip to Kosovo.
Players to decide as a group
O'Shea said the decision would be made collectively. "We spoke already at the start of the week that we are going to come together on Friday and discuss this as a group," he said. "Tomorrow we have a game to focus on. Once the game is over and Friday comes, we are all going to come together as one and discuss it."
The defender did not indicate what the outcome of the discussion might be, but confirmed the matter is being treated seriously by the squad.
Upcoming fixtures
Ireland's immediate focus is Thursday's Nations League match away to Kosovo. After that, the squad will turn its attention to the first of the two meetings with Israel, which will be played on neutral ground in Hungary.
Further details are expected to emerge after Friday's team meeting.
