'Szmodics 'buzzing' to be involved for Ireland' - O'Shea allays fears over marksman's commitment
John O’Shea insists there’s never been any doubt over the allegiance of Sammie Szmodics as he prepares to hand him his Ireland debut in Saturday week’s friendly against Belgium.
The English-born attacker rebuffed an approach from another country he’s eligible for, Hungary, despite the carrot being dangled of potential involvement in this summer’s Euro finals in January.
The Championship’s top scorer with 27 goals is due to report into Castleknock Hotel after Blackburn’s fixture against Middlesbrough, fully in the mix to feature at Lansdowne Road for his bow at the age of 28.
He had been in the squad during the Stephen Kenny era but was either overlooked or withdrawn due to family reasons.
Centurion O’Shea met with Szmodics last week and has no concerns about his commitment to the Irish cause.
“It was very straightforward,” he said when naming his 26-man squad for the double-header that concludes against Switzerland on Tuesday week.
“One of the first games I went to watch was Blackburn v Millwall, where Michael Obafemi was playing as well.
“Any of the conversations I had with Sammie were all straightforward. He is buzzing - delighted to be coming in and it’s great to have a player like him in such good form consistently all season.
“He has got that versatility in terms of where he’s playing at the minute. He’s floating from a striker into a 10 position too. It’s great to have an option like that to bring into the squad.”
Injuries added Alan Browne and Ryan Manning to the unavailable list alongside Shane Duffy and John Egan but as flagged Jake O’Brien receives his maiden call-up after impressing for Lyon in France.
Another uncapped player, Finn Azaz, is promoted to the senior squad following a stellar season in the
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