Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Mon 30 March 2026 16:10, UK

Jake O’Brien played 120 minutes in republic of Ireland’s World Cup play-off against Czechia, and David Moyes would have been hoping the Everton defender could be rested after being knocked out.

The Irishman faced heartbreak as his nation’s World Cup dreams faded on penalties against the Czechs.

O’Brien has been a key player for Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson throughout the qualifying phase, starting all six games.

With Ireland now playing a friendly against North Macedonia on Tuesday, the Toffees boss would have been looking for O’Brien to be afforded a break.

Everton are looking to finish in the European places; Moyes will want as many of his squad to be well rested as possible, so he may not be pleased with the Ireland manager after his recent comments.

Why Jake O’Brien will likely play for Ireland vs North Macedonia

O’Brien was not at his best for Ireland versus Czechia, but that was a one-off poor performance from the Toffees defender, who typically performs for his country.

Chances of a break for O’Brien have now been shot down ahead of the next international fixture.

Speaking ahead of Ireland’s game against North Macedonia, Hallgrimsson responded to suggestions he could make wholesale changes, replying via Irish Examiner: “We don’t need to.”

He continued on to say: “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. Again, just growing; all the time growing.”

In the Ireland squad, there are not many other centre-back options to choose from. 33-year-old John Egan may not feature, with the Ireland manager putting a focus on the future.

QPR’s Jimmy Dunne could come in at centre-back, while Watford’s James Abankwah is another, but the 22-year-old is still uncapped.

Overall, it looks likely that O’Brien will play once more after 120 minutes in Prague.

O’Brien could still get a short break before Everton return

Ireland’s game against North Macedonia takes place on 31 March, with Everton’s next game not kicking off until 11 April.

That is 11 days between matches for O’Brien. If Moyes is concerned with the possibility of fatigue for the defender, there is room to give him a few extra days off.

The best-case scenario would be for the versatile defender to be dropped for Ireland and reduce the risk of injury.

Moyes will no doubt be looking on and keeping close watch on O’Brien’s situation.