Looking at success stories among Irish players, it's difficult to argue that many of them have had a more impactful campaign than Sammie Szmodics.
The 28-year old has been in absolutely sensational form this season, scoring 27 goals for Blackburn Rovers in all competitions. That is by far the most prolific goalscoring season of his career, with the player sitting three goals clear at the top of the Championship scoring charts.
It is not unfair to say that the leap the player has taken this season has been somewhat unexpected. Szmodics has scored goals in the past, although most of them came at League One or League Two level. This is only the third season that he has played in the Championship, scoring six times in each of the previous two campaigns.
Considering his dramatic upturn in form, it is not a surprise to hear that he is now drawing the attentions of some big clubs.
READ HERE: 'Great Appointment By The Way' - Klopp Goes Two-Footed On Mike Dean
Ireland hopeful Sammie Szmodics linked with Premier League switch
According to The Sun, Brentford are keeping a close eye on Sammie Szmodics with a view towards potentially signing the player this summer.
It is expected that the London club will sell Ivan Toney this off-season, with Szmodics high up their list of potential replacements.
It remains to be seen what of price tag it would take to prise the player from Blackburn Rovers, although Premier League interest could be difficult to rebuff when you consider that the club are currently in the mix to be relegated to League One. They would certainly command a healthy profit on the rumoured £1.8million they paid to bring him to Ewood Park in 2022.
At 28-years old, Sammie Szmodics has yet to make his Ireland debut. He was first called up in June of 2021, only to be ruled out of that international window. The player would then withdraw from the squad during his next call-up in October of last year due to personal reasons, something that also kept him out of contention for the November window.
However, it is expected that he will be included in the squad this week for the games against Belgium and Switzerland towards the end of March. If he is available, you would expect that he would make his debut in one of those two fixtures.
Szmodics is also eligible for Hungary via his father, with it being said that the Hungarians were interested in bringing him on board ahead their Euro 2024 berth this summer. It has since been suggested that he has reaffirmed his international to Ireland, something that should finally be put to bed this month.
SEE ALSO: Daniel Sturridge Heaps Praise On Caoimhín Kelleher For Overlooked Moment In Man City Draw
