Why Jayson Molumby fell 'victim' vs Israel as Irish media react to West Brom star
Jayson Molumby is now set to return to West Bromwich Albion after his international duties with the Republic of Ireland.
The midfielder featured in all four of Ireland's games over the international break, starting in three of the matches.
Ireland sit third in Group Three after picking up five points from their first four games of the competition.
Molumby started the second game against Israel on Sunday, helping his side earn another point in a 1-1 draw, though three points were wanted.
Albion and James Morrison will have been watching over the 27-year-old, hoping that he plays well without suffering any injuries.
However, Molumby may have been lucky after what happened against Israel.
Irish media explain why Jayson Molumby wasn't 'popular' vs Israel
Molumby played the full 90 minutes, boasting an 88 per cent passing accuracy at the end of it.
He had 63 touches in the match, making four passes into the final third, but was unable to create any chances.
The midfielder won four ground duels and 67 per cent of his aerial duels, but was fouled a whopping five times.
The Irish Independent gave him a 7/10 rating and wrote: "The Waterford native returned to the line-up and was the victim of many poor challenges by the Israelis in the opening half.
"Did well to keep his cool amid the special treatment. Also went close to an opening goal early on."
The 42 explained: "Molumby is clearly not popular among the Israeli players. He has been fouled on several occasions at this stage."
David Sneyd also commented for The 42: "‘Keep moving it quick’ is the message from Troy Parrott, just before Molumby is caught with another needless foul. He’s then brought down again, with Ireland awarded a free kick."
Tempers flared between the West Brom regular and Israel's Oscar Gloukh, as referee Juan Martinez Munuera was unable to get a real hold of the game.
Thankfully, there have been no reports that Molumby has sustained an injury.
However, it's just another reminder of why Morrison and Co. will never be a huge fan of players going out on international duty for competitions like the Nations League.
What Ireland boss has said about feisty match
Molumby just so happened to be on the receiving end of several fouls in the game, which no Baggies fan will be happy about
There was also an alleged spitting incident in the game, which featured various moments of anger from both sides.
The game was fueled after political controversies spilt over in the first meeting of the two nations earlier in the international break.
The bad blood was still there, as Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson said his team are "100 per cent stronger" after these moments.
He said, as quoted by ESPN: "We now need some time to reflect and go forward.
"It's also the best time to find your enemies when you're lying on the ground, and people are kicking you. It's easy to see who was trying to kick you."
Molumby will hopefully be fit and ready for West Brom's first game back after the break, with an important clash against Birmingham City set at The Hawthorns.
The Ireland international has played in all eight of the Black Country Club's Championship games so far this season, and is a key player for Morrison.