Smallbone gives 'step in right direction' verdict as Ireland draw with Senegal
Will Smallbone insists Ireland's draw with Senegal was another step in the right direction under Heimir Hallgrimsson.
The Boys in Green let a Kasey McAteer lead slip with the concession of an equaliser eight minutes from time at Aviva Stadium.
But Ireland remain unbeaten this year, going into Tuesday's season-ending friendly in Luxembourg and the all-important World Cup campaign in September.
Smallbone was making his return to the squad after a luckless time with injury, and this was only his second camp under Hallgrimsson.
But the Southampton man played well in a deeper-lying midfield role and feels there were more positives than negatives on the night.
Smallbone said: 'It's another step in the right direction I think against a strong team that has been unbeaten for such a long time.
'It's a different challenge for us playing against Senegal but an enjoyable one. I think we can come away from it with lots of positives but a few things we need to improve on.
'It's all about building momentum for us and going into September in the best form. Performances are nice but ultimately winning is what is going to get us to the World Cup.
'It's frustrating to concede the way we did in the end but I think all in all, it was a positive performance against a top nation.'
Smallbone had a chance to put Ireland further ahead but his shot from inside the penalty area was saved. But he was just happy to be back in a green shirt and said: 'The manager wants to create a winning habi.
You see the way he talks about getting to the World Cup. It's obviously the aim for everyone. Winning is the only way we can get there. So it's about coming out on top in games.'
Smallbone, quizzed on the differences between Hallgrimsson and his predecessor Stephen Kenny, said: 'It's been different. Obviously Stephen brought a lot of the lads through from 21s and Heimir has a different sort of tactic if you like.
'If you look at Irish teams in the past, they've always been built very big on set-pieces and making the Aviva a really tough place to come to. I think that's what we've to get back to.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Irish Independent
Photos from Cork show all the exciting action of the International Horse Trials in Millstreet
With 15 countries participating, favourable weather bar a shower or two made for a hectic atmosphere in the picturesque Green Glens Complex and Drishane Estate. Some of the best horses and riders in eventing circles descended on the North Cork location by ferry and truck with visitors drawn from the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and across Europe. The picturesque setting against the backdrop of Clara Mountain and Drishane Castle was a perfect amphitheatre for cross country with dressage and show jumping hosted in the adjoining Green Glens Complex. 'We are overwhelmed and delighted that so many international riders are coming to Millstreet, it was the largest entry since the event commenced in 2015, the arrival of so many leading figures in the international eventing world is a major highlight in the Irish calendar and we have been working hard to ensure some great competitions and a fun weekend,' said Event Director Thomas Duggan. Upwards of 400 horses were in Millstreet, riders included double Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo and Paris Laura Collett, the Great Britain rider is a MBE recipient for her pursuits on the world stage. Collett was joined by compatriots Emily King, Izzy Taylor, Max Warburton, Jack Pinkney, Harry Horo and Gemma Stevens. Stevens figured prominently in a number of categories and savoured the Millstreet atmosphere. 'What a weekend in Millstreet, to enjoy success here is something quite special at a great venue. For me, it's also such a relief to win on the Irish bred Flash Cooley because I've been second in a CCI4*-L class four times', she said. Australian Kevin McNab, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics is a popular visitor to Millstreet, amongst his strong line up was Newmarket Amy, bred by the Scarteen Equine Farm in Newmarket and sold to Co. Meath based Rhiannon Burton with McNab becoming the regular pilot. En route to Millstreet, the pair enjoyed success at the Strzegom Show in Poland, a podium place also in Millstreet. Four time Olympian Austin O'Connor was back in familiar territory, the Mallow native and UK-based rider delivered one of his finest performances to date at the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials recently, finishing third overall aboard his long-time partner Colorado Blue. The Drishane Cross Country course saw new developments, the terrain bedded in well over recent months, new fences and a reshaped water development adding to the appeal against the backdrop of Clara Mountain with Event Director Thomas Duggan accepting the plaudits. 'We are thrilled that so many international competitors want to come here to educate their horses and enjoy the superb courses and footing here. 'It has been such a successful showcase for the Irish Sport Horse,' he said. Equestrian excitement returns to Millstreet next month for the Pony and Young Rider Show from July 3-6 with the Millstreet International CSI2* Horse Show scheduled from July 23-27.
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
Goal-shy Galway reliant on deadly accurate Cathal Mannion
Against Kilkenny, Dublin and Wexford in this year's Leinster championship Galway managed just three goal chances, while their opposition combined for a total of 19. Despite winning two of those three games en route to this afternoon's Leinster hurling decider against Kilkenny - Galway conceded eight goals and scored just the one. That sole green flag came against Wexford in added time to give the Tribesmen an eight-point lead. Ultimately when they face the Cats again at Croke Park, Galway will need to create more goal chances and concede much fewer if they are to reverse the 12 point-deficit in April. Kilkenny scored three of half a dozen chances in that comfortable first-round victory in Nowlan Park on a day when the visitors failed to create even one half goalscoring chance. In their victories over Wexford and Dublin, the Tribesmen scored one goal from three chances. Those two missed chances were both easily saved from tight angles under extreme defensive pressure and they were rather fortunate to concede just five goals from 13 chances. While Galway have been short on goals they haven't lacked for points - raising by far the most white flags of any county prior to the provincial finals. That tallies 131 in five matches, and in those three games they managed 79 points compared to 55 from the other teams combined. Central to that has been Cathal Mannion. The Ahascragh-Fohenagh forward has scored 2-43 in four games, with 1-28 from placed balls and 1-15 from play. In the county's three biggest tests to date against Kilkenny, Dublin and Wexford he scored a total of 0-35. The 2015 All Star has been in sensational scoring form for his team and in those three encounters his scores and assists have accounted for 54% of his team's total. The 2017 All-Ireland winner has assisted 0-08 as well as winning two of the frees he converted himself. His other start came against Offaly when he scored 2-08, assisted 0-05 and was fouled for two of the three frees he floated over the bar. In his four Leinster outings this season, the 30-year old has scored or assisted 56% (2-56) of his team's combined scoring. If he'd featured in the 28-point demolition of Antrim his numbers would be off the charts. Mannion's scoring is all the more impressive when you consider his shooting accuracy. From 24 in-play shots so far this championship he has scored 1-15. He has worn the free-taking responsibility lightly. In his maiden campaign at inter-county level with placed-ball duties, Mannion has scored almost 81% from his 36 attempts in Leinster, with five of his seven misses coming from his own half. Looking at the three games against Kilkenny, Dublin and Wexford in isolation he has scored 24 of 27 attempts, showing not only an impressive range, which was to be expected given his scoring ability from general play, but also an excellent temperament under pressure. On average (in-play) Mannion has been directly involved in over 10 scoring opportunities per game. In total he is averaging six shots and just under 0-05 from play per game, almost 0-8 from placed balls, and 0-03 in assists per match so far in the 2025 championship. While Mannion's form will give Galway fans hope, the reliance on him is a cause for concern. One of Galway's biggest scorers in recent seasons, St Thomas' Conor Cooney has started four of his team's five games off the bench. Along with his 11 points (nine frees) when starting against Antrim, in those three substitute appearances he has amassed 1-03 from play making him the highest scoring substitute so far in the Leinster championship. While eight Kilkenny hurlers have contributed to their team's scoring as replacements, only three Galway players have. Nevertheless in a tight encounter, if Micheál Donoghue again opts against starting the 2017 All Star, he could prove the difference maker when introduced. It was Cooney who scored his team's only goal in the games against Kilkenny, Dublin or Wexford. However, even if Cooney provides a similar impact off the bench and Mannion continues his free-scoring form - Galway will need a huge slice of fortune to win any game when conceding so many goal chances and creating so few.
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Caoimhin Kelleher compared to Virgil Van Dijk as Ireland legend offers theory why Premier League giants didn't sign him
SHAY GIVEN admitted he is surprised Premier League giants didn't move for Caoimhin Kelleher - and suggested a possible reason why. The Advertisement 2 Caoimhin Kelleher signed for Brentford Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 Shay Given suggested why Premier League giants didn't move for him Credit: Seb Daly/Sportsfile He had been linked with a number of clubs both in The Corkman showed why he is so highly thought of with a couple of big saves in Former goalkeeper He told RTE: "He looks the real deal. Advertisement Read More on Caoimhin Kelleher "Look at the problems that Man United have. Both Manchester United and Chelsea have been rumoured to be moving for goalkeepers this summer . Chelsea Meanwhile, Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog Exclusive Exclusive Exclusive United have already been busy in the window, with 'Don't say that on camera' - Nathan Collins' admission about Caoimhin Kelleher's move leaves Heimir in stitches And Given suggested Brentford's reputation as a 'selling club' may have influenced the Premier League big boys moving for Kelleher. He compared the 26-year-old to He said: "Unless clubs have said, let's have a look at Brentford. Advertisement "We know they're a selling club. He can be a number one for a year or two and then he can go again, he's still plenty young enough. "When you look at a player maybe like Van Dijk in the past. "When he left Celtic, only Southampton had a go at him before he made that step to Liverpool. "It's like the bigger clubs think they have to take a step back before they take a step forward." Advertisement Joining Brentford and becoming their No1 will cement He has played all nine games under And Kelleher admitted that holding onto the Irish jersey next destination. He told RTE: 'I think I've played well for Ireland. I think I've done well enough to keep the No. 1 position. Advertisement 'I need to do well to keep it, but no doubt playing week in week out will help my cause for sure. 'It (the transfer) has been a long time coming. Definitely really happy to get it over the line and get it done and loling forward to getting going.'
