Sammie Szmodics acrobatically arrived into Ireland camp this week after scoring in spectacular style for Ipswich in their victory over Tottenham on Sunday.
The striker went head over heels to open the scoring in the 2-1 victory with a perfectly executed bicycle kick, which led to his side’s first victory since returning to the Premier League.
That made it three goals so far for Szmodics in the top flight, and while he has yet to score after eight games in the Ireland jersey, he is confident that the goals will start to arrive sooner rather than later on the international scene.
And not just the goals, but victories too for the Boys in Green as Szmodics believes that the team are very close to clicking and will be looking to make it a double over Finland on Thursday in their Nations League clash at the Aviva Stadium.
“Goals add confidence to your game,” said Szmodics, speaking to the media after training on Monday.
“My first goal came in my second game so it’s not like I have been chasing a goal and waiting for my first Premier League goal. I’ve scored three now, as a squad we have our first win and we can build on that.
“I’m waiting for that Irish goal, that first one. Eight caps. Performances have been good, probably something I’m missing. Once I get the one, and the confidence in front of goal, I’ll continue to get them and hopefully cement a place in the starting XI.”
“Really close,” Szmodics responded, when asked about the national team’s ability to start securing consistent results.
“At club level everyone plays differently; at national level, you all need to play the same. Everything is different when you come away with Ireland.
“Apart from the result against Greece, there were some really good parts in the second half. We’re not far away from clicking.
“It was a good win against Finland. We’ve got the big one against England at Wembley to look forward to, but all focus is on Thursday night. It’s a team we can beat at the Aviva.”
Szmodics said that a big emphasis has been placed on squad mentality with an expectation to start quicker in games rather than reacting to the concession of a goal.
And coming from a club that has been buoyed by a return to the top flight and going on to secure their first league win, Szmodics believes there are certain matchday situations that can help sides to create confidence and build momentum.
“We’ve got to get up for it from minute one,” he said. “If it’s the mental side of things, it’s a way of overcoming that, which I think we can as a group. We’re all aware of it.
“We are focusing on starting first halves like we are starting second halves. We touched on it in the meeting this morning, starting the game as well as we finish. Not going a goal down before we start doing our bits.
“It’s the little things. Winning the first tackle, winning your duels gives you confidence. We’re finding those little percentages to help you step on, or kick on, whether that be a tackle, a header. These things all add up in game of football.”
Szmodics, of course, took the long way round before reaching the promised land of the Premier League, working his way through the lower leagues before his standout season for Blackburn Rovers last year when he was the Championship’s top scorer.
Ipswich came knocking for the in-form striker, and while Szmodics has looked right at home on the biggest stage, he admitted that there were times when he wondered if he would ever make it to the top flight.
“I’m 29 now. When you get to 26, 27, 28 you start thinking of the Premier League as just a dream and you’ll never get there.
“It comes from hard work, believing in yourself and people like coaches over the years around believing in you. As soon as you get in there, people like John (O’Shea) make you feel comfortable as possible.
“It has been a journey from League Two and it seems so far away. That comes from hard work. At 29, I want to stay at the top of my game.”
O’Shea was at the joint press conference with Szmodics and was full of praise for the striker who has immediately impressed at international level.
“The first time I spoke to Sammie, and seen him play, it was a case of get him over and get him that green shirt as quick as possible,” said O’Shea.
“It’s a classic example of what sacrifice and dedication can do for your career in football. Long may it continue. I’m sure that first goal in a green shirt is not far away.”
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