Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, O'Shea played the full 120 minutes as Republic of Ireland suffered a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat by the Czech Republic in their World Cup play-off semi-final in Prague
ByLauren McCannBBC Sport NI Journalist- Published59 minutes ago
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Republic of Ireland defender Dara O'Shea said the squad have had "closure" from their penalty shootout defeat by the Czech Republic on Thursday which ended their World Cup dream.
Heimir Hallgrimsson's side squandered a two-goal lead at the Fortuna Arena and succumbed to a 4-3 shootout loss against the Czechs, who progress to a play-off final against Denmark for a place at the World Cup.
The Irish must now regroup for their dead rubber friendly against North Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, but O'Shea has urged his side to move on from their Prague pain and start looking to build towards Euro 2028.
"We've had closure, now we have to look forward to the next game, we can't keep dwelling on that because nothing can change. What's done is done," he said.
"We're professionals so you have to move onto the next game and it's really important everything we have created now and the confidence we have to go out tomorrow with a solid performance we're proud of and continue our run.
"We're building towards Euro 2028 now and it's important that we keep going in the right direction I feel like we have been and keep pushing on."
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Hallgrimsson 'wouldn't expect a lot of changes'
Image source, InphoImage caption, On-loan Portsmouth winger Alli has received his first call-up aged 26
Boss Hallgrimsson confirmed that he will be without Robbie Brady for the game in Dublin due to a "slight hamstring injury" alongside Jack Taylor and Sammie Szmodics, who were already released from the squad.
Liam Scales returns from suspension while Bosun Lawal is available for selection alongside Portsmouth winger Millenic Alli, who has received his first call-up to the squad
"[He is an] Interesting player in so many ways, a late bloomer, his route to where he is today is unique and we thought it was a good time to call him in," said Hallgrimsson of the Dublin-born 26-year-old.
"Don't know if we will play him but a good chance to take a look at him and see what kind of person he is and it's good for him as well to get a sniff of a camp and how we do things. Physically strong, fast and skilful and has been doing really well and hopefully this will help him continue to grow."
Hallgrimsson added that Republic of Ireland "don't need to" make wholesale changes against a side ranked 66th in the world as he is focused on winning the game.
"The most important thing tomorrow is to have a good performance. Normally the side effect of that is a win.
"Yes it's a possibility to give players a chance, a lot of them have been dying to come on the pitch and show what they can do.
"We've been pretty consistent in our team selection so it's an opportunity but I wouldn't expect a lot of changes. I want these players to continue to perform and do well and again just growing.
"The thing is, in friendlies the new rules from Fifa, we can have eight substitutions in friendlies in three slots so it's a possibility to make changes. No problem in that sense. But do we want it? First and foremost we would want to do a good performance."
