Manager Don Givens’ side again conceded an early goal to Moshe Ohayon, and although then enjoying the lion’s share of possession beyond that, they were hit on the counter in conceding a second to Gal Alberman.

Ireland continued to take the game to their opponents, yet were being thwarted in their attempts to gain the equaliser by a resilient Israel defence.

Celtic winger Aiden McGeady in particular was proving to be the home side’s main threat, yet on the occasions when he appeared to have made a breakthrough, he found a white shirt in front of him.

Instead, it was the Israelis who superbly countered in the 36th minute, although when Robel Sarsour stumbled just as he was primed to shoot, it appeared as if the chance was lost.

Intuitively, he managed to lay the ball off to Gal Alberman and he finished with a low drive underneath the advancing Henderson.

Within minutes Sheehan finally tested Al-Madon, although the goalkeeper made the most of his save in punching clear a curling 25-yard free-kick.