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The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Jack Taylor hopes he made ‘big opportunity' count in Ireland's friendly against Luxembourg and will earn starting place
JACK Taylor hopes that Ireland's problems do not overshadow his own performance as he bids to be a regular for the September World Cup qualifiers. Ipswich Town midfielder Taylor got his big Ireland breakthrough this month as he made Advertisement 2 Taylor made his first start for Ireland in the 1-1 draw with Senegal on Friday 2 The Ipswich Town midfielder is knocking on the door of a starting place for Ireland And while the whole window is coloured by Ireland's poor performance in the He said: 'I knew there was a good chance of me starting, especially friendlies, to feed some new lads in who haven't had the opportunity yet. 'I knew it was a big opportunity for me so I came in with a strong mindset to force myself into the manager's mind. 'There is a context to it (the performance against Luxembourg), last day of the season for all the lads, all the lads know they are going on holiday tomorrow. Advertisement Read more on Irish football 'A bit of that comes into play, we have prepared so well coming into this camp and all the lads know the standards weren't where we had set them before. 'We know we need to improve for the next camp but Senegal, I think we can take a lot of positives from it. 'September is a long way away, everyone has got to stay fit and make sure they are in top condition for that window. 'But you have to take the positives out of it, we have come away from home against a side on paper you might say we should probably beat, but they have some dangerous players. Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog 'We have come away, got a clean sheet, so there are definitely positives to take but we know going forward, we definitely have to improve.' But Taylor emerged with credit over the week with a good performance against Senegal and a decent cameo against Luxembourg when he struck the crossbar with a late effort. Inside Arsenal's Ibiza holiday as Katie McCabe and teammates pop champagne to celebrate Champions League win Taylor shrugged: 'I just watched it back, I thought he (the goalkeeper) touched it to be fair but he didn't. 'It came out to me, I took a touch and my eyes sorta lit up a little bit. I had taken a touch and just hit it as hard as I could. Advertisement 'But unfortunately, it has come off the underside of the bar. Next time, I will score that.' The 26-year-old could potentially provide a goal threat from midfield. He scored 30 goals in 210 league starts for Barnet and Peterborough earlier in his career, and has had half-chances for Ireland to date. It is why he has been on the Ireland radar so long having impressed Mick McCarthy in a training game against the Under-21s in 2019 when he was still with non-league Barent. Advertisement Stephen Kenny, who capped him at Under-21 level, then called up him several times in 2020 and 2022, before Taylor got his break under Heimir Hallgrímsson last year. But Taylor hopes his versatility as he can play in any of the midfield positions can stand to him as Hallgrímsson often selects sides with the opposition in mind. He continued: 'I can play numerous positions, can do all of them, to be fair. I don't really have a set position. 'I just want to get the boys playing good football, fast-flowing football, so happy to play where called upon. Advertisement 'We are definitely improving and we can only get better and everyone can just bring their individual qualities to the team and I think we will strive on from here.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Nathan Collins reveals embarrassing loss that ‘affected a lot of people' gave Ireland star ‘new hunger' for World Cup
NATHAN COLLINS believes Ireland's winter of discontent can make for a glorious summer and beyond. Captain qualifiers . Advertisement 2 Ireland were hammered 5-0 by England Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 Nathan Collins believed it has stood to them Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile Confidence is rising among the squad that they can go all the way in the qualifiers after wins home and away over Bulgaria and But winter . And that agony came after The defender said: 'That one hurt and affected a lot of people. Advertisement Read More on Ireland MNT 'It was nice to have a little break away from people, reset and go again. 'If we had a good result there and there was a long wait, we would have to wait. The hurt in the dressing room after . . . it was not a nice place to be in. 'It created a new hunger for me. It definitely resetted me to want to do better and improve for the next camp. It might work in a good way for us.' That Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog And that continued a grim few years at international level with plenty of disappointing results. One of those included an 'Don't say that on camera' - Nathan Collins' admission about Caoimhin Kelleher's move leaves Heimir in stitches Not that Collins — who was called up to the Ireland squad subsequently — looks too far into the past. He said: 'Football, people, managers and teams change. You just have to reflect on that. Advertisement 'It is about what works for us and we can't have that on our mind. 'We are here with fresh faces. It is a fresh and new game.' GOING WELL Ireland face Luxembourg with a different mindset and are full of confidence after two wins and a draw to date since that Wembley woe. And Collins believes everything is going well ahead of the World Cup campaign which starts against Aviva Stadium on September 6. Advertisement He said: 'I feel the performance against Senegal was a really big step. 'We were so comfortable in the game and in our shape. 'We performed to a very high degree and it is about pushing on, growing that and getting better. 'I just think there's a bit more of a base now in the team. There's a bit of solidity in it. Advertisement 'It was a bit all up in the air last summer , wasn't it? Everything regarding Ireland was at the time. 'But the way the squad is, the way we have our manager here, everything is solidified now. 'We're building our base, growing and we're working from that. We're trying to create momentum for us to get better. We have time to practice together again and keep creating stuff. 'If the qualifiers were today, I would be comfortable enough. Advertisement 'We know the basics of what the manager wants but also know that he wants more from us. 'But it's not today and we can do more to get better and prepare.' ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT And the former Wolves man acknowledged there are still areas where Icelander Hallgrimsson wants to see improvements from his troops. One area in particular is seeing games out, as Ireland have kept just one clean sheet in Hallgrimsson's nine games in charge to date. Advertisement Collins added: 'We could have defended better and we could have been more proactive with the chances we conceded against Senegal. 'If we want to get to the next stage we have to see games like that out. 'I think we are definitely good enough. We're good enough to go score another goal but also not concede or give them chances. 'They are the little things where we can grow. Advertisement 'There are loads of individual things as defensive and attacking units where we can grow together. 'Taking away from the last game, we've got to take our chances, see a game out, be solid — winning games like that will be massive come the World Cup.' Ireland's group is a tricky one with Hungary, Armenia and top seeds But Collins said that Ireland must make sure they are confident going into the campaign. Advertisement He said: 'We didn't need to see Sunday night to know how good 'But if we can do what we can control and the manager wants from us we will create our own problems against Portugal. 'We're a completely different team to Spain and will create different problems and defend in a different way. 'We'll frustrate them in ways they won't like. We know the standard and how good they'll be. Advertisement 'But they have to know how tough a game it will be for them against us.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Heimir Hallgrimsson opens up on what Ireland ‘wants to be' as he warns against ‘basketball game' in Luxembourg friendly
MANY watched the Nations League final thinking it was football at its finest. Advertisement 3 Heimir Hallgrimsson revealed the kind of team he wants Ireland to be Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 3 Ireland beat Senegal last Friday Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 3 They face Luxembourg four years after losing to them in Dublin Credit: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile Just days after each had served up an impressive semi-final victory, While most people simply enjoyed the show, it served as a reminder of what Ireland must overcome if they want to qualify directly for their first As if he was not convinced of it already, it reinforced the point for Hallgrimsson that his side cannot allow themselves to get sucked into trying to go toe-to-toe with And he takes some confidence from how he felt his side nullified Advertisement Read More on Ireland MNT Hallgrimsson said of Senegal: 'First of all, they didn't create the chances they normally create. 'They got their chances from getting on the flanks and crosses and we didn't deal with them. I said after the game that maybe attacking the crosses a little bit better is a tiny detail. 'Tactically, we defended well, we had the numbers always back so the mentality was there. It was a test against a world-class attacking team. ''Can we do it quicker?' was the mantra before this camp. 'Can we do what we are doing quicker? Can we press quicker? Can we shift quicker?' Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog Hallgrimsson continued: 'I hope you watched the Nations League final. Both teams were really comfortable that the game was like this, it was like a 'With all the individual quality, you would like the game to be like this but we would like to control the game, and don't get attacked and counter-attacked, having many attacks against us. I think we prevented that against Senegal and we will grow from there. RTE viewers hail Killian Phillips as emotional Republic of Ireland star reflects on 'proudest moment' of his life 'That is the team we want to be — hard to beat.' That robustness is unlikely to be tested tonight. Advertisement Although it is only four years since lightning striking twice, despite Hallgrimsson talking up his side's opponents. The Icelander said: 'They have had the same coach for a long time, really consistent in team selection, so it's more like playing a club team. 'Their knowledge of the team and each other is really at a high level, and I watched the 'They beat Advertisement 'I know a little bit about them, and the strength of Sweden. 'So I wouldn't look at it as a shock to the nation if we were not to get a good result here. 'It's that good a team that a win here would be really good for us at this stage. I hope nobody is taking them lightly, if that is the right word.' 'For every team, it's always important to win, just to get that winning feeling and make it a habit to do everything correct, to win the matches." But, on paper at least, they are the worst team Ireland will have faced in what will be the manager's tenth game in charge. They lie 91st in the world rankings Advertisement Bulgaria — in 85th — and 69th-placed And Luxembourg's win over Sweden, which Hallgrimsson referenced, is their only victory in 11 matches. The manager and the football federation are under fire for the Aviva Stadium in March 2021 — despite being found guilty of three separate assaults, one of them against his former partner. If Ireland cannot overcome Luc Holtz's side then rumours of the team's rise may have been greatly exaggerated. Advertisement NO EXCUSES In theory, a friendly at home to Senegal followed by one here is to prepare Ireland for what lies ahead in September when they host travel to Armenia in their opening two World Cup qualifiers . You can see the point but, in three months' time, they will have to negotiate a much longer journey and bigger adjustments in terms of heat and time zone — with one less day to do so. Given a win and a draw will be the bare minimum then, Ireland could do with achieving that in this window. There are no excuses for them not to achieve it. The flight here was shorter in duration than a football match. The atmosphere is not exactly going to be febrile, with yesterday's public holiday for Whit Monday adding another layer of drowsiness to this sleepy place. Advertisement More than anything, Hallgrimsson would like to see evidence that the progress to date continues, although he corrected himself when he realised he had come close to saying the result did not matter. He said: 'The purpose of this camp was to look at new faces and we will make some changes, even though we were really happy with the performance. 'Hopefully everyone will have their time to shine, but we'd like to keep some consistency too and build on what we've been doing well. I think we probably played one of our best games as a team and we don't want to miss that against Luxembourg 'For every team, it's always important to win, just to get that winning feeling and make it a habit to do everything correct, to win the matches. Advertisement 'For all of us, it is important to win even though we would say in a friendly, I would pick performance above winning. 'If we have a good performance, continue to improve in what we are doing — even though we are unlucky and lose the game — I would probably take that more than a win, if we are continuing to develop the team. 'It was the wrong way of saying that, don't make that a headline. 'Hopefully we can have the same performance against Luxembourg so it shouldn't be up-and-down performances. Advertisement 'We should be consistent in what we are doing. 'That's the main thing if you want to qualify, you need to get performances every game and play in a similar way in every game and develop a style of play.'
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Will Smallbone reveals historic Ireland trait that is ‘going to get us to the World Cup' after draw against Senegal
WILL SMALLBONE believes Heimir Hallgrimsson is pointing Ireland in the right direction — and towards the World Cup. The Advertisement 2 Will Smallbone in action against Ismaila Sarr Credit: Ben McShane/Sportsfile 2 Ireland were held to a draw by Senegal Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile But Smallbone felt it was a giant step in the right direction — as Hallgrimsson's directions were followed down to a tee. The 'I was only in Heimir's first camp so that was very new for everyone and I missed the next three camps. 'To then come back into it was very similar messages but it all seems very clear and concise. Advertisement Read More on Ireland MNT 'That makes it easier as a player when you know exactly what the manager wants from you and you just have to go out and do your best to deliver it.' And he believes that, even though qualifiers . Smallbone added: 'I think he wants to create a winning habit and you see the way he talks about getting to the World Cup. 'It's obviously the aim for everyone. Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog Exclusive Exclusive Exclusive 'Winning is the only way we can get there. So it is about coming out on top in games in the past we maybe would have lost by a goal to switch it the other way to win by a goal. 'He put an emphasis on set-pieces and making sure we're a threat whenever we get one. Heimir Hallgrimsson gives first call-up to four Ireland players in squad for friendlies vs Senegal and Luxembourg '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. 'So I think that's what we've to get back to. Advertisement 'The more I play football , the more I go into my career and see that winning is what gets remembered. 'It is ultimately what is going to get us to the World Cup. I think if the game is scrappy and it's a one goal game, we need to make sure it's us that gets the goal.' 'DISAPPOINTING' Ireland were not far off that against Senegal — a team ranked 19th in the world who are now on a 21-game unbeaten run. Hallgrimsson's men dominated the first half and looked on course for a win even as they rode their luck in the second half before Advertisement Midfielder Smallbone added: 'The goal for every game is to win, at times performances have been good but winning has not been there. So the main thing is just winning. 'Maybe in the past we've got good performances but we need to make sure we're winning to get to these tournaments. 'So obviously a draw is disappointing but Senegal are a top nation so I think it is a step in the right direction. 'I think it's a good result against a strong team that has been unbeaten for such a long time. Advertisement 'I think we can come away from it with lots of positives but a few things we need to improve on. 'I think these summer camps have been a bit of a struggle sometimes, where we've had a long time off and we've been coming in and been trying to get up to speed. 'I've noticed a real high quality and high intensity throughout the whole week. 'And I think that it was showing in the performance.' Advertisement
The Irish Sun
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Republic of Ireland star Megan Connolly reveals why her Lazio gamble was worth it
MEGAN CONNOLLY joined Lazio for more than a Roman Holiday — and she believes what she has learnt on the pitch can also benefit Ireland. Advertisement 2 Republic of Ireland's Megan Connolly at their team hotel in Istanbul ahead of their UEFA Women's Nations League League B match against Türkiye on Friday 2 Connolly switched UK shores for those of Italy with a move to Lazio The culture, naturally, appealed and she has done plenty of sightseeing. She revealed 'When I go into the centre there's so many food places, even places you wouldn't think are restaurants. Then you go into the back of them and it's a proper cultural experience. 'In the first few months it was more so a case of trying to survive and adapt and get the football stuff. 'Once things on the pitch were going well and I was settled in, I went out a bit more to experience the culture. Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL 'It's been quite nice, such a beautiful place and city. 'You can turn any corner walking through the city and find a new landmark that you didn't even know. 'The language is quite difficult. That was never my forte in school, so it's quite difficult. 'Being there for the next two years, it will be nice to get out and experience new cultures and restaurants. It's been fantastic and not the worst place to live.' Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog But while the backdrop is pleasant, Connolly's decision to go to Serie A was all about how she thought it could develop her as a player. 'You can't make this up' - Irish fans in stitches at Ruesha Littlejohn's playful prank upon Katie McCabe's camp arrival The 28-year-old said: 'Last summer was quite a difficult window to be in. Everyone left it quite late, a lot of clubs left it until July to really start doing things. 'For me, I had one or two conversations early on in the window but I waited it out a bit. Advertisement 'It's one of those things, once you make that kind of decision, you have to trust the process and trust your decision. 'At that point of my career, there were certain things that I value quite a lot. I'd been at Brighton, and at Bristol City, where I was captain. 'I had some great relationships and great experiences and I knew what I wanted. 'I knew the next move, I wanted to go somewhere where I could develop my football, and also have that feeling of being a key player. Advertisement 'I waited for a bit and Lazio came in. As soon as I heard the first phone call, I knew straight away. 'It's hard to put into words the feeling but it was exactly what I was waiting for the whole time — that feeling of a club whose ambitions, their style of play, how they want to play, the manager valued me, how they saw me. 'As soon as I received that call, I felt like the waiting was worth it and this was the move. 'Looking back on it now, it panned out how I had hoped for. The waiting paid off.' Advertisement ITALIAN JOB Lazio's season was a mixed bag as a slow start meant they were in the bottom half when the league split for the run-in, though they did finish top of their group by the end. And Connolly — who has played the entire season at centre-half, having regularly played in midfield for Ireland — believes it can all stand to her now for the Girls in Green. She missed last month's wins over Greece but played in both of Carla Ward's opening two games — the 1-0 win over Turkey and 4-0 loss to Slovenia. And as Ireland prepare to face Turkey again tomorrow before a home clash with Slovenia, Connolly insists the team have moved on from February's hammering in Koper. Advertisement The Cork native added: 'I think we're over it. I think it's definitely something we'll learn from, we already have tried to learn from it. 'That's what can happen when you're not on your game, you can get beaten by teams. 'And it was a wake-up call that while we're trying to implement new things, change our style and grow, these things can happen. 'We have to make sure they don't happen again." Advertisement
