Stephen Kenny claims Sam Szmodics should have been on Ireland’s radar years ago - but was overlooked at underage level.
The Peterborough attacker was a surprise call-up by Kenny yesterday after Aaron Connolly and Callum Robinson pulled out of the Andorra and Hungary friendlies.
English-born, the 25-year-old qualifies for Ireland through his grandmother who is from Granard in Co Longford.
Also eligible for Hungary, he has never featured for the Boys in Green at any level until now.
But speaking at the training camp in Spain today, Ireland boss Kenny believes Szmodics has plenty to offer.
He said: “I was aware a couple of years ago that Sam had declared an interest in playing for Ireland, when he had maybe been overlooked for U21 level at that time.
“I went to Ipswich against Peterborough only 18 months ago, to watch Alan Judge for Ipswich and Jack Taylor playing for Peterborough.
“And in that game Sam was playing as a Number 10 and he scored twice in Portman Road that day. He did very well.
“We monitored his progress in that period. Obviously it’s a big jump from League One to international football.
“But I’ve been at some of his recent games in Peterborough to see him and he’s adaptable. He’s a very hard working player.”
Kenny continued: “He’s quick and has managed to be a selfless player for Peterborough, playing in a 4-2-3-1 as the Number 10.
“But because of the way they play, they are very attacking. It’s nearly like 4-2-4 and he is like a second striker with them, scoring and creating a few goals.
“He moves into the Championship this year so he’ll be keen to have a good camp.”
Szmodics scored 15 goals in 42 appearances as Posh secured promotion to the Championship.
He was previously with Bristol City and Colchester United and also had a loan spell with non-league Braintree Town six years ago.
At Colchester, Szmodics also hit double figures in League Two with 15 goals during the 2018/19 season.
