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The Journal
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Journal
Ireland round out the season with dreary draw away to Luxembourg
The 42 Luxembourg 0 Republic of Ireland 0 THIS BORE, END-OF-SEASON draw was just about the most passive mutual offering from Ireland and Luxembourg since they designed their respective tax regimes. Acknowledging that June friendlies are hardly havens for confidence or rich feeling, Ireland were desperately poor in the first-half, with their passing ragged and their energy levels low. They were much better after half-time, though, and were unfortunate not to grab a late winner when substitute Jack Taylor smashed a shot off the underside of the crossbar. They ultimately had to settle for a goalless draw, one which extends their unbeaten run to four games and does not seriously check their momentum going into September's World Cup qualifying campaign. Ireland, though, will have to play much better than this if they are to take enough points from the opening games against Hungary and Armenia to maintain an active interest in qualifying through to the final games in November. Heimir Hallgrimsson decided to reward the oft-travelling, rarely-seen Max O'Leary with a first Irish start, giving Caoimhín Kelleher a break. Jake O'Brien replaced Matt Doherty at right-back with Killian Phillips making his full senior debut in midfield, with Ryan Manning benched. Evan Ferguson – whose sharpness in training had impressed his manager – earned a start having come close to doing so on Friday, while Troy Parrott returned to lead the line. Ireland's shape was that to which we have become accustomed: a 4-4-2 without the ball that morphed into a fancier, 3-4-2-1 with the ball. Phillips dropped into deep midfield alongside Jason Knight with Will Smallbone freed up to play further forward. Among Ireland's first-half problems: their evolving formation got stuck in its larval, two-banks-of-four phase, such was Luxembourg's dominance of the ball. O'Leary was sharp to dive to his left to push Danel Sinani's long-range shot around the post, a move whose genesis was a clumsy lay-off by Ferguson to Phillips. Hallgrimsson, growing increasingly frustrated, swapped Phillips and Smallbone's positions. That move was tantamount to tinkering around a crash site. Ireland's passing was awful, with players remonstrating with one another as moves continually broke down. An ugly problem from Ireland's last few years also reared its head, with Knight, Phillips and Smallbone looking rushed and uncomfortable when they were pressed in midfield by their opposite number. Troy Parrott contributed Ireland's best moment from open play shortly before half-time, when he controlled the ball and spun away from his aggressive marker, Eldin Džogović, who responded by kicking him in the calf. It was a rare moment of conviction from any Irish player. Smallbone floated the resultant free-kick to Dara O'Shea at the back post, whose square header was met by Nathan Collins, who stooped and headed the ball against the post. Ireland mercifully improved after half-time. Kasey McAteer hinted at the severity of the half-time message by quickly closing down and opponent to rob possession and then pull a left-footed shot wide of the far post. Advertisement McAteer should have remained so single-minded a few minutes later, but rather than go for goal himself, he instead directed a free header from Ryan Manning's terrific deep cross back across goal for Parrott, who handled the ball amid a miscued effort to try and force the ball over the line. Jack Taylor and Festy Ebosele were sprung from the bench within 10 minutes of the restart and both combined for another chance, only for Taylor to pull a shot wide having been smartly picked out by Ebosele on the edge of the box. Ireland finally managed an effort on target shortly after, as Parrott ran in behind to collect McAteer's pass before lifting the ball delightfully over the onrushing goalkeeper. Parrott, alas, was too eager in making his run and had strayed offside. McAteer, now shifted to an inside-left role as opposed to standing out on the right wing, grew far more influential, but was also guilty of over-enthusiasm in taking an over-the-shoulder volley too early having been picked out by a ball over the top. His shot was tame and easy for Luxembourg's teenage goalkeeper. But alas as many of the Irish players improved around him, Evan Ferguson visibly waned; his lack of match minutes across the season becoming painfully evident. He was caught too often on his heels, most gallingly when Dara O'Shea played a risky pass through midfield that was intended for Ferguson, but intercepted by the much more alert Tomas Moreira, whom Ferguson pursued and then fouled. He was booked, and eventually withdrawn for Adam Idah with 15 minutes remaining. Taylor came agonisingly close to winning the game as the clock ticked out. First Parrott wriggled brilliantly along the endline to pull the ball back for Idah, whose heavy touch ended with the ball running out to Taylor on the edge of the box, who smashed a shot off the underside of the crossbar John Patrick came off the bench for a late senior debut, and showed some very neat touches, most obviously on the edge of his own box after Matt Doherty recovered brilliantly to snuff out a late Luxembourg counter. The Spanish-born midfielder will be among a handful of people on earth to remember this game. While Ireland will have to be vastly improved in September, the context of this game is enough to avoid ringing any alarm bells. Already without the bulk of their Championship contingent, the squad were carrying an accumulated fatigue that will not exist in three months' time. This season, after all, has been long and, er, taxing. Luxembourg: Tiago Pereira; Eldin Džogović, Laurent Jans (Michael Pinto, 62′), Seid Korac, Dirk Carlson; Leandro Barreiro, Tomas Moreira, Danel Sinani; Florian Bohnert (Vincent Thill, 62′) , Gerson Rodrigues (Eric Veiga, 82′), Aiman Dardari (Alessio Curci, 76′) Republic of Ireland: Max O'Leary; Jake O'Brien, Nathan Collins (captain), Dara O'Shea, Robbie Brady (Ryan Manning, 20′); Kasey McAteer (Matt Doherty, 75′), Jason Knight (John Patrick,90′), Will Smallbone (Jack Taylor, 55′), Killian Phillips (Festy Ebosele, 55′); Evan Ferguson (Adam Idah, 75′), Troy Parrott Referee: Stefan Ebner (Austria) Written by Gavin Cooney and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won't find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women's sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here .
The 42
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Ireland round out the season with dreary draw away to Luxembourg
Luxembourg 0 Republic of Ireland 0 THIS BORE, END-OF-SEASON draw was just about the most passive mutual offering from Ireland and Luxembourg since they designed their respective tax regimes. Acknowledging that June friendlies are hardly havens for confidence or rich feeling, Ireland were desperately poor in the first-half, with their passing ragged and their energy levels low. They were much better after half-time, though, and were unfortunate not to grab a late winner when substitute Jack Taylor smashed a shot off the underside of the crossbar. They ultimately had to settle for a goalless draw, one which extends their unbeaten run to four games and does not seriously check their momentum going into September's World Cup qualifying campaign. Ireland, though, will have to play much better than this if they are to take enough points from the opening games against Hungary and Armenia to maintain an active interest in qualifying through to the final games in November. Heimir Hallgrimsson decided to reward the oft-travelling, rarely-seen Max O'Leary with a first Irish start, giving Caoimhín Kelleher a break. Jake O'Brien replaced Matt Doherty at right-back with Killian Phillips making his full senior debut in midfield, with Ryan Manning benched. Evan Ferguson – whose sharpness in training had impressed his manager – earned a start having come close to doing so on Friday, while Troy Parrott returned to lead the line. Ireland's shape was that to which we have become accustomed: a 4-4-2 without the ball that morphed into a fancier, 3-4-2-1 with the ball. Phillips dropped into deep midfield alongside Jason Knight with Will Smallbone freed up to play further forward. Among Ireland's first-half problems: their evolving formation got stuck in its larval, two-banks-of-four phase, such was Luxembourg's dominance of the ball. O'Leary was sharp to dive to his left to push Danel Sinani's long-range shot around the post, a move whose genesis was a clumsy lay-off by Ferguson to Phillips. Advertisement Hallgrimsson, growing increasingly frustrated, swapped Phillips and Smallbone's positions. That move was tantamount to tinkering around a crash site. Ireland's passing was awful, with players remonstrating with one another as moves continually broke down. An ugly problem from Ireland's last few years also reared its head, with Knight, Phillips and Smallbone looking rushed and uncomfortable when they were pressed in midfield by their opposite number. Troy Parrott contributed Ireland's best moment from open play shortly before half-time, when he controlled the ball and spun away from his aggressive marker, Eldin Džogović, who responded by kicking him in the calf. It was a rare moment of conviction from any Irish player. Smallbone floated the resultant free-kick to Dara O'Shea at the back post, whose square header was met by Nathan Collins, who stooped and headed the ball against the post. Ireland mercifully improved after half-time. Kasey McAteer hinted at the severity of the half-time message by quickly closing down and opponent to rob possession and then pull a left-footed shot wide of the far post. McAteer should have remained so single-minded a few minutes later, but rather than go for goal himself, he instead directed a free header from Ryan Manning's terrific deep cross back across goal for Parrott, who handled the ball amid a miscued effort to try and force the ball over the line. Jack Taylor and Festy Ebosele were sprung from the bench within 10 minutes of the restart and both combined for another chance, only for Taylor to pull a shot wide having been smartly picked out by Ebosele on the edge of the box. Ireland finally managed an effort on target shortly after, as Parrott ran in behind to collect McAteer's pass before lifting the ball delightfully over the onrushing goalkeeper. Parrott, alas, was too eager in making his run and had strayed offside. McAteer, now shifted to an inside-left role as opposed to standing out on the right wing, grew far more influential, but was also guilty of over-enthusiasm in taking an over-the-shoulder volley too early having been picked out by a ball over the top. His shot was tame and easy for Luxembourg's teenage goalkeeper. But alas as many of the Irish players improved around him, Evan Ferguson visibly waned; his lack of match minutes across the season becoming painfully evident. He was caught too often on his heels, most gallingly when Dara O'Shea played a risky pass through midfield that was intended for Ferguson, but intercepted by the much more alert Tomas Moreira, whom Ferguson pursued and then fouled. He was booked, and eventually withdrawn for Adam Idah with 15 minutes remaining. Taylor came agonisingly close to winning the game as the clock ticked out. First Parrott wriggled brilliantly along the endline to pull the ball back for Idah, whose heavy touch ended with the ball running out to Taylor on the edge of the box, who smashed a shot off the underside of the crossbar John Patrick came off the bench for a late senior debut, and showed some very neat touches, most obviously on the edge of his own box after Matt Doherty recovered brilliantly to snuff out a late Luxembourg counter. The Spanish-born midfielder will be among a handful of people on earth to remember this game. While Ireland will have to be vastly improved in September, the context of this game is enough to avoid ringing any alarm bells. Already without the bulk of their Championship contingent, the squad were carrying an accumulated fatigue that will not exist in three months' time. This season, after all, has been long and, er, taxing. Luxembourg: Tiago Pereira; Eldin Džogović, Laurent Jans (Michael Pinto, 62′), Seid Korac, Dirk Carlson; Leandro Barreiro, Tomas Moreira, Danel Sinani; Florian Bohnert (Vincent Thill, 62′) , Gerson Rodrigues (Eric Veiga, 82′), Aiman Dardari (Alessio Curci, 76′) Republic of Ireland: Max O'Leary; Jake O'Brien, Nathan Collins (captain), Dara O'Shea, Robbie Brady (Ryan Manning, 20′); Kasey McAteer (Matt Doherty, 75′), Jason Knight (John Patrick,90′), Will Smallbone (Jack Taylor, 55′), Killian Phillips (Festy Ebosele, 55′); Evan Ferguson (Adam Idah, 75′), Troy Parrott Referee: Stefan Ebner (Austria)
RTÉ News
10-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Will Smallbone: Ireland players must buy into Heimir Hallgrimsson's belief
Republic of Ireland midfielder Will Smallbone feels the squad must buy into a belief that World Cup qualification is possible ahead of the final warm-up match before the clash with Hungary in September. Amid some of the most miserable times for the nation in terms of both results and performances in this decade, Heimir Hallgrimsson will begin his first outright group campaign with six matches to come in the space of 10 weeks. Hungary, Armenia and new Nations League champions Portugal stand in Ireland's way, with the Boys in Green considered an outsider in the bid to top the group or even secure a play-off. For now, Luxembourg await Ireland tonight in a friendly. Hallgrimsson has referenced reducing the schedule of some players in this window with a view to being fresher for tournament football 12 months later, an eye-opening viewpoint given the current outlook for the side ranked 60th in the world and without qualification for a World Cup since 2002. Smallbone, who played 81 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Senegal after an injury-hit season, believes the mindset is something the players have to pass heed to. "I think the manager's views will always transfer onto the players," he said in an exclusive interview with RTÉ Sport ahead of tonight's friendly. "We've got a real tight-knit group that are looking towards the same goal. "I think we need to believe we can be there. I think we've shown a steady progression over the last few camps and even on Friday, I think against the top nation, it was a good performance from us. "I think we need to be positive, forward-thinking and give ourselves the best opportunity to be there next June. "Winning is what's going to get us to the World Cup. So we need to have winning become a habit. And going into these games, the performance is nice, but I think ultimately winning and getting in the habit of winning is what's best, starting with Luxembourg." Smallbone played in a more defensive midfield role against Senegal, despite the manager indicating he sees him being utilised in a more advanced location on the pitch. The Southampton man, who has 12 caps to his name so far, is happy to operate in either role. The Irish midfield could be about to evolve with Bosun Lawal, Killian Phillips and Jack Taylor making strides in this camp with call-ups and appearances. The competition is welcome, says Smallbone. "Maybe I did end up in more of a defensive role on Friday, but I'm just happy to do whatever. "I think we play with two almost 'old school' midfielders is the best way to describe it, with a licence for one of us to get forward and join up with the attacking play and get in the box. It's enjoyable. "We have our ways when we get the ball to free up our wingers and get crosses into the box and then when defending, it's a bit of a slightly different shape. "The goal for everyone is obviously going to the World Cup and winning games is what's going to get us there. "So I think being defensively sound is a good platform to build off." Smallbone was called up in the Ireland manager's first squad, but having sat out most of the English season, he also lost out on caps in a green shirt. Returning to the squad now, he has noticed some differences. "Obviously it has been a little while for me since I've been in the camp because of injury. "The first camp for me [under Hallgrimsson] was September, so it was all about just starting off the new ideas under the new manager. I missed all the camps in between and to come back here, I could see a real progression in the team strength and the way the team's going. "I think being a bit more harder to beat is one of the main ones. "We've got a lot of the squad maybe coming into their mid to late-20s. "I think that is a good age to really take onus on ourselves, to get ourselves through these [qualification] games. "And we've got enough experience now between us to be able to solve problems on the pitch ourselves and leave ourselves in better situations overall."
The Irish Sun
07-06-2025
- 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 42
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
'Stephen brought a lot of the lads through... Heimir has a different sort of tactic'
WILL SMALLBONE has hailed the impact of manager Heimir Hallgrímsson after Ireland drew 1-1 tonight with Senegal — a team 41 places above the Boys in Green in the world rankings and unbeaten in 20 matches heading into the game. Injuries have meant it is only the second time Smallbone has featured in a camp since the Icelandic coach took charge. And while the hosts were disappointed at the concession of an 82nd-minute equaliser, the Southampton star felt the game was 'another step in the right direction' following back-to-back Nations League playoff wins over Bulgaria in March. 'I think sometimes these summer camps have been a bit of a struggle where we've had a long time off and we've been coming in and trying to get up to speed,' Smallbone said. Advertisement 'I've noticed a real high quality and high intensity throughout the whole week, and it's been showing in the performance there.' While he has not had too many opportunities to link up with the squad in the last few months, Smallbone has been impressed with Hallgrímsson as a coach. 'Throughout the week, the manager has made it really clear what he wants from people, and it's just getting back in the swing of things and being in an Irish set-up. I love coming away to play for Ireland, I couldn't wait to get away and see everyone and get back in it and build connections with everyone.' Smallbone played alongside Jason Knight in central midfield and said the position was not 'too different' to what he has been accustomed to recently, despite sometimes being employed in a more attacking role for club and country. 'I was only in Heimir's first camp so that was very new for everyone so I missed the next three camps, so to then come back in, it was very similar messages. But it all seems very clear and concise — 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. 'The lads have done really well over the last few camps, it's good to see us winning games. Performances have been really nice, and maybe in the past we've got good performances, but we need to make sure we're winning to get to these tournaments. '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. 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 and put an emphasis on set-pieces and making sure we're a threat whenever we get one.' Smallbone also admitted it felt 'different' to the reign of Stephen Kenny, who gave the midfielder his senior debut in 2023. 'Stephen brought a lot of the lads through from 21s, and Heimir has a different sort of tactic if you like. I think 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. 'The goal for every game is to win, at times performances were… I don't want to say performances have been good, but winning has not been there. So the main thing is just winning. 'The more I play football, the more I go into my career and see that winning is what gets remembered, it's what ultimately 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, and as long as we're in games with however long left, we'll always feel we'll get an opportunity to get a goal from set-pieces.'
