Second Israel game won't be a friendly - Hallgrimsson

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson admits Sunday's second game against Israel is "not going to be a friendly" following comments from the latter's camp after last week's match in Hungary.

Having faced calls to boycott the Nations League fixtures because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war , the Republic of Ireland did not engage in pre-match formalities and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem in Debrecen.

After a 3-0 win for the Republic of Ireland, Israel captain Manor Solomon said "we have a country 10 times better than theirs".

"Obviously they hate us. We don't like them," he added.

Following Thursday's 2-2 draw with Austria in Dublin, Hallgrimsson was asked if those comments will make for a tense encounter with Israel in Sunday's behind-closed-doors game in the Serbian town of Backla Topola.

"I guess so it's not going to be a friendly," said Hallgrimsson.

Hallgrimsson has spoken about the toll the controversy surrounding the Israel fixtures has had on his squad and said fatigue because of "everything going on" was a factor on Thursday as Austria fought back following Troy Parrott's first-half double.

"It is going to be tricky and challenging for the players to be ready [for Israel], but we will do everything and the medical team will work day and night to get them fit and fresh for that game," he added.

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