Both Heimir Hallgrímsson and John O'Shea have shared their reasons for why they rate Irish forward Sammie Szmodics so highly.
The Ipswich Town player was the Championship top scorer last season with Blackburn Rovers and is already off the mark with his new club in the Premier League, having scored against champions Manchester City last weekend.
To nobody's surprise, the 28-year-old has been called up to the Ireland squad for the Nations League games against England and Greece, respectively.
Hallgrímsson spoke during his squad announcement press conference yesterday and made it clear why he rates Szmodics so highly ahead of the games.
“On the pitch, maybe his directness is what really pleases me,” said the Ireland boss to the Irish Mirror. “He is really direct; he’s unafraid going forward, taking players on, quick-thinking, with speed in him, and, like John said, a lot of confidence.”
Hallgrímsson has entrusted Paddy McCarthy and O'Shea with selecting the squad as he gets to know the players, especially since he only took up the role in July.
Sammie Szmodics of Republic of Ireland at the end of the International Friendly match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estadio Municipal de Aveiro on June 11, 2024, in Aveiro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) )Despite this, O'Shea believes that the Icelander will quickly learn what type of character the "infectious" Szmodics is.
“Ah, look, the manager will soon see the type of personality and player he is in training, but also around the place. He’s just infectious,” added O’Shea.
“He wants to do things right on and off the pitch; he wants to take advantage of the flourishing career he’s having at the minute.
“I think he’s going to be an important player for the team over the next few years. You can already see the confidence he’s bringing.
Ireland will begin their campaign on September 7 against England in a League B, Group B2 match. Following this, on September 10, they will take on Greece. The team will then travel to Finland for their next fixture on October 10. Just three days later, on October 13, Ireland will face Greece again, this time away.
Their penultimate match will be on November 14, when they host Finland. Finally, Ireland will conclude their group stage on November 17 with a match against England.
Republic of Ireland Squad: England & Greec
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City).
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).
Midfielders: Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Alan Browne (Sunderland), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City).
Attackers: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Callum Robinson (Cardiff City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar).
UEFA Nations League: Fixtures
07/09: Ireland vs. England, Aviva Stadium, 5pm
10/09: Ireland vs. Greece, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
