Blackburn Rovers manager John Eustace has delivered an update on Ireland forward Sammie Szmodics, who was forced to wear a protective boot after picking up an injury in last weekend’s pre-season friendly win over Accrington Stanley.
Szmodics was taken off moments before half-time after finding himself on the wrong end of what Eustace described as a “naughty tackle.”
According to the Ewood Park boss, the damage is not as bad as first feared.
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“Sammie just took a kick on the side of his leg,” said Eustace, a former Ireland assistant manager under Stephen Kenny. “We’re very grateful it’s not a bad one, although it was a bit of a naughty tackle.
“Sammie seems fine in there. He’s hobbling around a little bit, but he’ll be absolutely fine.”
Eustace also gave an update on the status of Ireland Under-21 midfielder Zak Gilsenan, who missed the end of the 2023/24 Championship season through injury.
Perth-born Gilsenan, who previously played underage international football with Australia before switching at Under-19 level to the Boys in Green, this week returns to training with his clubmates.
The 21-year-old made a goalscoring Ireland Under-21 debut in last September 3-2 Euro 2025 qualifier against Turkey at Turner’s Cross.
Eustace said: “Zak has only just joined back in with the group. He’ll be joining back in with the first team group on Monday and hopefully we can get some really good minutes in the first team for him to showcase what he’s all about.
“I know Zak’s an excellent young player and I’m really looking forward to seeing him perform with us.”