If there is one thing that has been a consistent issue for Ireland over the last decade, it has been creating chances in forward areas.
There are a number of reasons for that. Consecutive managers employed negative tactics, ones that were not exactly conducive to free-flowing football. Personnel has also been an issue, as outside of Wes Hoolahan, the squad has not exactly been blessed with players who possessed the trait of opening up opposition defences.
Stephen Kenny has attempted to change this, and while some progress has been made, the team still needs to show more ingenuity on the ball in the final third.
It will be hoped that a further refreshing of the squad could help ease the issue, with one possible option currently doing well in the Championship.
Will Smallbone makes case for Ireland berth
Ever since breaking through at Southampton, Will Smallbone has been viewed as a potential key contributor for Ireland. His career stalled somewhat due to serious injury issues, but he is now very much back on track.
While the midfielder would struggle at times during his loan spell at Stoke City this season, he is now very much coming into his own. Yesterday's game against Sunderland provided the latest example of that, with the 23-year old registering a hat-trick of assists in a 5-1 win away from home.
Hattrick of assists for #SaintsFC loanee Will Smallbone yesterday 🎩
Great to see him doing so well for #SCFC pic.twitter.com/WLuCeqpaDE— JustSaints (@JustSaintss) March 5, 2023
The above footage displays the type of creativity Will Smallbone is capable of bringing to a team, something that would be of huge benefit to Ireland.
He was called up to the senior squad for the friendlies against Norway and Malta in November, although he did not feature in either game. He will certainly be in the mix for selection later this month, with the fixture against Latvia in particular an opportunity for him to make his debut.
He certainly has the talents to make an impact at international level.
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