Liam Kitching makes international debut as Sheffield United teammate features in win
Sheffield United duo Liam Kitching and Tom Cannon featured for the Republic of Ireland against Israel on Sunday night.
Sheffield United loanee Liam Kitching made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland on Sunday evening, helping them beat Israel 3-0 at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Hungary in the UEFA Nations League.
Three days after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Kosovo in their Nations League opener, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side produced a commanding performance to secure their first victory of the campaign, inspired by first-half goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan.
The contest was embroiled in controversy after Republic of Ireland players faced calls to withdraw from the game because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. The Republic of Ireland and Israel players did not shake hands, while the Irish squad bowed their heads when Israel’s national anthem was played ahead of kick-off.
On Saturday, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu confirmed that he had withdrawn from the squad, saying he felt it “would be wrong to participate” in Sunday’s game and the return fixture in the Serbian town of Bačka Topola the following Sunday.
Nevertheless, the contest went ahead, and it marked Kitching’s debut for his country after he received his maiden call-up earlier this month. The centre-back, who joined United on a season-long loan from Coventry City on transfer deadline day, started on the left side of the back three and produced an accomplished performance to help the Republic of Ireland record their fourth clean sheet in their last six games.
Kitching, who was an unused substitute against Kosovo on Thursday, had 51 touches of the ball, completed 85 per cent of his passes, made five recoveries, produced one clearance, won one tackle and won four of his seven duels as he completed the full 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, United teammate Tom Cannon also featured for the first time during this international break, coming off the bench in the second half to replace Swansea City striker Idah. He was introduced with 69 minutes on the clock, but struggled to impose himself on proceedings, registering just six touches of the ball and completing four passes.
Former Blades John Egan and Chiedozie Ogbene were unused substitutes. The Republic of Ireland will continue their Nations League campaign when they welcome Austria to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Thursday evening.