Colin Sheridan: Before the Israel matches, Ireland are to play a country recovering from war

Nearly two decades after independence, Kosovo has arrived in international football. But what, exactly, is it?

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson during a training session at Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina, Kosovo. Photo: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

While almost every conversation around Ireland’s opening Nations League window has been drawn towards Israel — the away fixture in Hungary on Sunday and the surreal “home” game to be staged in Serbia next month — the first stop is Kosovo.

Kosovo has arrived in international football. But what, exactly, is it?