Latest news with #SammieSzmodics
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Irish player tracker: Troy Parrott stars for AZ Alkmaar with brace in Eredivisie opener
While the Premier League doesn't kick off until next Friday, the weekend saw plenty of Irish involvement across the English Football League, Championship and further afield in mainland Europe. The Championship season began on Friday night with a strong Irish presence. Ipswich Town started with four Irishmen, including Dara O'Shea making his debut as club captain. Sammie Szmodics and Jack Taylor were also in the XI, while Chiedozie Ogbene returned after 287 days out with a ruptured Achilles. Ogbene was arguably Ipswich's brightest spark in the 1-1 draw at Birmingham City. Eiran Cashin, recently signed on loan, was an unused sub for the Blues. Saturday's lunchtime fixtures saw Charlton Athletic's return to the second tier and Conor Coventry played the full game in midfield in a match decided in the fourth minute of stoppage time with Harvey Knibbs scoring a dramatic late winner for the Robins against Watford. Irish defender James Abankwah played 87 minutes for the Hornets, but Rocco Vata missed out with a minor hamstring issue. The headline moment came at St Mary's. With Southampton trailing 1-0 against Wrexham in the 87th minute, Gavin Bazunu produced a world-class stop to deny Ryan Hardie. Three minutes later, Ryan Manning curled in a stunning free-kick before setting up the winner deep into stoppage time. James McClean came on late for Wrexham, while Will Smallbone missed out through injury and Eoghan O'Connell was an unused sub. READ MORE Hull City's bench included Ireland Under-19 prospect Cathal McCarthy alongside John Egan for the 0-0 draw with Coventry City. In League One, Luton Town's Josh Keeley and Millenic Alli helped secure a 2-0 win at Peterborough, with Keeley earning his second straight clean sheet. Cian Hayes and David Okagbue started for the hosts, with all four Irishmen completing 90 minutes. Saturday's 3pm kick-offs brought mixed news. Jimmy Dunne missed QPR's game against Preston with a hip problem, while Robbie Brady is a major doubt for Ireland's September fixtures after a calf injury. Finn Azaz also remains sidelined for Middlesbrough. Bosun Lawal in action for Stoke City under pressure from Derby's Ebou Adams. Photograph:On the pitch, Bosun Lawal impressed for Stoke City in a 3-1 win over Derby. Playing at centre half after a strong preseason return from a serious back injury, Lawal looked composed before his afternoon was cut short after a head knock, but he remains one to watch this season. The final Championship action on Saturday came with Bristol City's surprise 4-1 win at Sheffield United, where captain Jason Knight was influential and Sinclair Armstrong featured off the bench, while Tom Cannon played the last half-hour for the Blades. On Sunday, Gabriel Otegbayo started in Sheffield United's 2-1 defeat to Leicester City, with Kasey McAteer coming on for the Foxes. Elsewhere in the EFL, there was no shortage of Irish goals. Aaron Drinan struck for Swindon in their 3-2 win over Cambridge and Jaze Kabia grabbed a 92nd-minute equaliser for Grimsby in the 3-3 draw away to Harrogate to make it two goals in two games for the Corkman. Veteran David McGoldrick showed his class with a 93rd-minute winner for Barnsley in their 3-2 win at home to Burton Albion. Ireland Under-21 international Jamie Mullins netted his first EFL goal for Wycombe in a 2-1 defeat to Stockport, while Stephen McLaughlin scored for Mansfield Town in a 2-1 loss to Doncaster. Dylan Duffy curled home a 25-yard free-kick for Chesterfield in their 2-0 win over Cheltenham and Promise Omochere was also on target for Bristol Rovers in a 2-1 defeat to Fleetwood. Irish involvement abroad also kicked off with success in the Netherlands. Anselmo García MacNulty played the full 90 in PEC Zwolle's 1-0 win over FC Twente, while Troy Parrott stole the show for AZ Alkmaar, scoring twice in a 4-1 win over Groningen – his second goal oozing with class. In Scotland, it was a quieter weekend. Adam Idah and Liam Scales started for Celtic against Aberdeen, while Killian Phillips and Roland Idowu lined up for St Mirren in their 0-0 draw with Motherwell. Jamie McGrath provided an assist for Hibernian in their 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock. Player of the week: Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar) Troy Parrott was the standout this week, scoring twice on Sunday in a superb Eredivisie opener for AZ Alkmaar. The striker had already netted a brace against Vaduz in Thursday's Conference League win, taking his tally to seven goals in all competitions since the start of European qualifiers. Goal of the week: Ryan Manning (Southampton) Ryan Manning, That is WORLD CLASS🚀🇮🇪 — Rep of Ireland Player Tracker (@reptracker) Ryan Manning was the clear winner after scoring a world-class free-kick to equalise for Southampton in the 90th minute against Wrexham, before providing a key pass for the winner. Manning's goal is already being called a goal of the season contender. Stat of the week: Jamie Mullins (Wycombe) first EFL goal Jamie Mullins's first goal as a Wycombe Wanderers player!🇮🇪 Mullins has taken to life in Wycombe excellently and will only get better. Serious player! — Rep of Ireland Player Tracker (@reptracker) Jamie Mullins scored his first EFL goal on Saturday, delivering a standout performance despite the defeat to Stockport. The midfielder joined the club permanently in the summer from Brighton and has shone in his first two games. A magnificent talent, he capped his display with a lovely goal and looks set to build on this bright start.
Telegraph
08-08-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Birmingham City vs Ipswich Town predictions: Championship tips and odds
Our expert has two tips for Friday's Championship season opener between Birmingham City and Ipswich Town at St Andrew's (kick-off, 8pm). We think that both potential promotion contenders will get on the scoresheet. Birmingham vs Ipswich tips Both teams to score @ 4/5 with bet365 George Hirst to score any time @ 13/5 with bet365 Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change. Already a bet365 member? Check out more free bets from the best betting sites, reviewed by our experts. Match details Striking talent should guarantee goals Birmingham and Ipswich were two divisions apart last season, but they head into the Championship's first game on Friday night among the favourites to land the title. Both are odds-against to win this contest with the hosts 7/5 and the visiting Tractor Boys at 19/10, but opening weekends can often throw up surprising scorelines, so it is hard to settle on a result. However, at 4/5 both teams to score looks worth taking given the attacking firepower in the squads. The likes of Ipswich's Sammie Szmodics, who was top goalscorer the last time he played a full season at this level, his team-mate George Hirst and Birmingham's Jay Stansfield look likely to start in this game, so the goals should flow in the midlands. Both teams scored in 23 of Ipswich's 38 Premier League assignments last season and in 28 of their 46 games when they were in the Championship in 2023-24. Check out our Championship season preview and outright tips Hirst ready to seize his chance After bagging 23 goals in all competitions last season, Blues striker Stansfield is 7/4 joint-favourite along with his new team-mate Kyogo Furuhashi in the goalscorer market, but punters should look a little further down the list for the value. Hirst is likely to operate as his side's lone striker at St Andrew's and the 13/5 about him scoring in this game looks on the big side, especially as 'Sub On Play On' will be in operation at bet365 (so if he is withdrawn, the bet will roll over to his replacement). Liam Delap's summer move to Chelsea has opened the door for Hirst to lead the line and, having previously been hindered by injuries, he looks ready to take his chance, having scored four times in four pre-season matches for the Tractor Boys. Birmingham vs Ipswich odds Birmingham @ 7/5 with bet365 Draw @ 23/10 with bet365 Ipswich @ 19/10 with bet365 All odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Daily Mail
07-08-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Sammie Szmodics to score first Friday BOOSTED to 10/3 - as Ipswich Town are away against Birmingham in the Championship season opener
English football fans can look forward to the highly-anticipated start of the 2025-26 Championship campaign tonight - as newly-promoted side Birmingham host relegated side Ipswich Town in the season opener. Birmingham are slight favourites at 13/10 to get the job done at home, while Ipswich are 2/1 underdogs according to Sky Bet. For those anticipating a draw - that is the widest in the Full-time Result market at 11/5 odds. Ipswich Town's Sammie Szmodics to score first against Birmingham Friday BOOSTED to 11/4 Elsewhere, if you're in search of longer odds - read on as we dissect the three Price Boosts on offer for this contest. The first boost - which has been enhanced from 11/4 to 10/3 - requires Sammie Szmodics to score, with the second requiring each team to have 5+ shots on target at 5/1. Szmodics registered nine goal contributions in 23 appearances across all competitions in 2024-25. Meanwhile, the third and final boost requires Ashley Young to record an assist at 17/2 odds. Sky Bet odds for Birmingham vs Ipswich Town: Birmingham 11/8 Ipswich Town 2/1 Draw 11/5 Sky Bet Price Boosts for Birmingham vs Ipswich Town: Sammie Szmodics to score WAS 11/4 NOW 10/3 Each team to have 5+ shots on target WAS 4/1 NOW 5/1 Ashley Young to record an assist WAS 15/2 NOW 17/2
Rhyl Journal
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Heimir Hallgrimsson keen for Seamus Coleman to continue international career
The 36-year-old Everton defender has been a mainstay for successive Ireland managers during a senior international career which currently spans more than 14 years, and Hallgrimsson is keeping his fingers crossed that one of his most influential players is still around when Hungary head for Dublin in September for the opening qualifier. Coleman has been forced to withdraw from the squad for next week's friendly against Senegal and the trip to Luxembourg which follows it because of a thigh injury, but the Icelander is keen to retain what he offers both on and off the pitch in the longer term. MNT SQUAD CONFIRMED 🇮🇪 Seamus Coleman and Sammie Szmodics have withdrawn from the squad through injury 🔁 Andrew Moran comes into the squad to face Senegal and Luxembourg with the squad set to report on Sunday, June 1 👏 06/06 | 🇮🇪🆚🇸🇳10/06 | 🇱🇺🆚🇮🇪 — Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 29, 2025 Hallgrimsson said: 'He is a leader in this squad and you cannot have his experience in many players. His experience, his leadership skills are one thing, but his quality as a player is another thing as well. 'He's been playing at the highest level for such a long time, so it's a shame for me – and, of course the national team – not to have him around. But hopefully there will come another time for him, hopefully it will be just the off-season and he'll come fit and flying. 'I know he's going to be at Everton in whatever role, maybe a little bit more leadership role, but it's for him to answer if he's going to continue playing or not. 'It's his decision, but I'm hoping – and I know the Evertonians are hoping – he will continue playing.' Sammie Szmodics has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad through injury (Bradley Collyer/PA) Asked if there was a possibility that Coleman might announce his retirement from international football in the meantime, Hallgrimsson said: 'That's for him to decide, not me.' The Ireland boss, who has not called up the majority of his Sky Bet Championship players for this camp because of the length of time since the end of their regular season, will also have to do without Ipswich's Sammie Szmodics for the double-header after he suffered a reaction while recovering from ankle surgery. Hallgrimsson said: 'We knew that he was injured, we were hopeful that he would be ready. He played, I think, 10, 15 minutes in the last game for Ipswich, but the ankle got swollen afterwards, so we decided it's not worth the risk to have him in our squad now. 'Hopefully he will have a good pre-season and come in flying in September.' Brighton midfielder Andrew Moran, who spent last season on loan at Stoke, has been drafted into the squad as cover. Had Ireland been drawn into a five-team group rather than a four, they would have been playing qualifiers instead of friendlies next month, and Hallgrimsson admits he is happy about that. He said: 'The June window has not been successful for Ireland in the past, it's been a tricky window, not playing for a month and then coming in to the national team camp for a game that's maybe on a higher level than you play on a regular basis. 'You are never 100 per cent physically fit or mentally focused after a holiday period, so yes, I am happy we are not playing World Cup group stage at this time.'
Glasgow Times
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Heimir Hallgrimsson keen for Seamus Coleman to continue international career
The 36-year-old Everton defender has been a mainstay for successive Ireland managers during a senior international career which currently spans more than 14 years, and Hallgrimsson is keeping his fingers crossed that one of his most influential players is still around when Hungary head for Dublin in September for the opening qualifier. Coleman has been forced to withdraw from the squad for next week's friendly against Senegal and the trip to Luxembourg which follows it because of a thigh injury, but the Icelander is keen to retain what he offers both on and off the pitch in the longer term. MNT SQUAD CONFIRMED 🇮🇪 Seamus Coleman and Sammie Szmodics have withdrawn from the squad through injury 🔁 Andrew Moran comes into the squad to face Senegal and Luxembourg with the squad set to report on Sunday, June 1 👏 06/06 | 🇮🇪🆚🇸🇳10/06 | 🇱🇺🆚🇮🇪 — Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 29, 2025 Hallgrimsson said: 'He is a leader in this squad and you cannot have his experience in many players. His experience, his leadership skills are one thing, but his quality as a player is another thing as well. 'He's been playing at the highest level for such a long time, so it's a shame for me – and, of course the national team – not to have him around. But hopefully there will come another time for him, hopefully it will be just the off-season and he'll come fit and flying. 'I know he's going to be at Everton in whatever role, maybe a little bit more leadership role, but it's for him to answer if he's going to continue playing or not. 'It's his decision, but I'm hoping – and I know the Evertonians are hoping – he will continue playing.' Sammie Szmodics has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad through injury (Bradley Collyer/PA) Asked if there was a possibility that Coleman might announce his retirement from international football in the meantime, Hallgrimsson said: 'That's for him to decide, not me.' The Ireland boss, who has not called up the majority of his Sky Bet Championship players for this camp because of the length of time since the end of their regular season, will also have to do without Ipswich's Sammie Szmodics for the double-header after he suffered a reaction while recovering from ankle surgery. Hallgrimsson said: 'We knew that he was injured, we were hopeful that he would be ready. He played, I think, 10, 15 minutes in the last game for Ipswich, but the ankle got swollen afterwards, so we decided it's not worth the risk to have him in our squad now. 'Hopefully he will have a good pre-season and come in flying in September.' Brighton midfielder Andrew Moran, who spent last season on loan at Stoke, has been drafted into the squad as cover. Had Ireland been drawn into a five-team group rather than a four, they would have been playing qualifiers instead of friendlies next month, and Hallgrimsson admits he is happy about that. He said: 'The June window has not been successful for Ireland in the past, it's been a tricky window, not playing for a month and then coming in to the national team camp for a game that's maybe on a higher level than you play on a regular basis. 'You are never 100 per cent physically fit or mentally focused after a holiday period, so yes, I am happy we are not playing World Cup group stage at this time.'
