Israel were defeated 1-0 by Albania in their Nations League opener before succumbing 3-0 in an international friendly at Windsor Park.

Steven Davis and Stuart Dallas had given Ireland a 2-0 advantage at half-time against an Israel team playing a 1-4-6-0 formation. The visitors offered little in the attacking third and their fate was sealed when substitute Gavin Whyte registered with his first touch.

Reflecting on the performances, Herzog remarked: “We created some opportunities against Albania, but against Northern Ireland we didn’t even get into their penalty area.”

Herzog conceded: “We completely lost our shape in the second half. But I saw some good things in these two games and against Scotland at home next month, with the crowd behind us, it will be a completely different game.” 

Israel are next in action in the Nations League against Scotland at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa on October 11.