In-form Sammie Szmodics gets confidence kick for Ireland camp

Sammie Szmodics acrobatically arrived into Ireland camp this week after scoring in spectacular style for Ipswich in their victory over Tottenham on Sunday.

The striker went head over heels to open the scoring in the 2-1 victory with a perfectly executed bicycle kick, which led to his side's first victory since returning to the Premier League.

That made it three goals so far for Szmodics in the top flight, and while he has yet to score after eight games in the Ireland jersey, he is confident that the goals will start to arrive sooner rather than later on the international scene.

And not just the goals, but victories too for the Boys in Green as Szmodics believes that the team are very close to clicking and will be looking to make it a double over Finland on Thursday in their Nations League clash at the Aviva Stadium.

"Goals add confidence to your game," said Szmodics, speaking to the media after training on Monday.

"My first goal came in my second game so it's not like I have been chasing a goal and waiting for my first Premier League goal. I've scored three now, as a squad we have our first win and we can build on that.

"I’m waiting for that Irish goal, that first one. Eight caps. Performances have been good, probably something I’m missing. Once I get the one, and the confidence in front of goal, I’ll continue to get them and hopefully cement a place in the starting XI."

"Really close," Szmodics responded, when asked about the national team’s ability to start securing consistent results.

"At club level everyone plays differently; at national level, you all need to play the same. Everything is different when you come away with Ireland.

"Apart from the result against Greece, there were some really good parts in the second half.