Sammie Szmodics bags brace as Norwich woes continue in loss to 10-man Blackburn

Ireland-qualified Sammie Szmodics bagged a brace and was player of the match as Norwich's slump continued as they fell to a painful 3-1 defeat at the hands of 10-man Blackburn at Carrow Road.

The in-form midfielder was called into the Ireland squad for the recent double-header against Greece and Gibraltar, however, he later withdrew from the squad for personal reasons.

It remains to be seen whether the attack-minded Rovers man will be included in the squad for this month's final Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands, which is followed by a home friendly against New Zealand.

Ireland Under-21 international Andy Moran also proved instrumental for Blackburn, with assists for both Szmodics' goals, while Shane Duffy started for Norwich but was substituted after 60 minutes as his side looked to get back into the game following Blackburn's red card early in the second half. Adam Idah was an unused sub for the home side.

The Canaries have now lost eight times in 10 games in all competitions, slipping to 17th in the Championship, and there were calls for head coach David Wagner to go during another below-par showing.

Blackburn scored twice in the opening 15 minutes through Tyrhys Dolan and Szmodics to take control, and a second from the uncapped Ireland prospect early in the second half ended the game as a contest, even through Rovers’ Scott Wharton was sent off shortly afterwards.

Norwich got one back in injury time through Gabriel Sara, but it was no more than a consolation for the struggling hosts.

The Canaries were well off the pace in the early stages and were duly punished as the visitors scored two well-taken goals.

At times a slick Rovers side were able to play their way through a nervous looking City backline at will and it