Coventry City’s ‘brilliant, brilliant person’ makes his mark after earning first international cap

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson praised defender Liam Kitching as a "brilliant person" and strong leader following his senior international debut. The 27-year-old started on the left side of a back three and played the full 90 minutes in Ireland's 3-0 UEFA Nations League victory against Israel.

Kitching, who qualifies for Ireland through his grandmother, joined Championship side Sheffield United on a season-long loan from Coventry City on transfer deadline day. Hallgrímsson noted that Kitching would have joined the squad earlier in the summer had his eligibility documentation been processed sooner.