Why suspension has Everton's Jake O'Brien primed for must-watch Ireland rematch vs Israel
Everton's Jake O'Brien was dropped to the bench for the Republic of Ireland's 2-2 draw against Austria.
However, the defender would be handed 15 minutes to try and make a difference towards the end on Thursday.
Ultimately, nothing came of his appearance, with little time for the him to impact proceedings as his nation collapsed from a 2-0 lead.
O'Brien will no doubt have wanted to start that fixture, particularly seeing as he has not had many minutes at Hill Dickinson this season so far.
However, while he did not start against Austria, a suspension within the Ireland camp means he is likely to make a swift return.
And in doing so it sets up quite the pre-match storyline ahead of Ireland facing Israel again on Sunday.
Why Jake O'Brien is good money to return to Ireland's XI
O'Brien has been starting as centre-back in a three for Ireland throughout these Nations League fixtures.
However, when he came off the bench against Austria, he was thrown into the right wingback role.
A return to centre-back may be in Heimir Hallgrimsson's thinking ahead of the final game of this international window, but his decision could be forced.
Defender James Abankwah has picked up a second yellow card during the Nations League, meaning he is now suspended.
Leaving O'Brien one of the prime candidates to take up that wing-back role and setting up what may be a must-watch clash on the pitch following the reverse fixture against Israel.
How O'Brien showdown vs Israel may be one to watch
Ireland's Nations League fixtures against Israel have taken plenty of headlines in the lead up to kick-off.
Due to the conflict in Gaza, there have been outspoken protests of whether the Boys in Green should fulfill the games.
A set of Irish players even went to a vote in the build up to the first match, one that was in favour of it being played.
Ireland would go on to win 3-0 on the day, but O'Brien was reportedly involved in an hostile exchange.
It was said that the Everton man shouted a message towards Manor Solomon about the situation happening in Gaza.
Now, with Abankwah unavailable to face Israel due to an accumulation of yellow cards, O'Brien looks primed to start at right wing-back.
And that would see him come up against Solomon in a one-versus-one showdown, with the West Ham winger typically starting on the left for his nation.
A battle that could see tempers flare once more.