Overview
- Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said playing North Macedonia is required by a broadcast deal and useful to get straight back on the field.
- The squad returned to Dublin, took a day off, then trained at Abbotstown where Hallgrimsson held a closure meeting to review the Czechia defeat.
- Sammie Szmodics has gone home and will miss the friendly, Jack Taylor is doubtful due to a family illness, and no replacements will be called up.
- Hallgrimsson plans to give fringe players game time and says early work toward Euro 2028 now starts in earnest.
- He praised the strong bond with supporters after the loss and stressed owning mistakes as the path to long-term growth.