New Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has been tasked with transforming the fortunes of the nation in international football.
Qualifying for the expanded 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada is the ultimate goal for the former Iceland boss.
It’s been over two decades since Ireland last qualified for the World Cup, and the nation will be eager to clinch a place at the next showpiece.
Hallgrimsson’s appointment injects a fresh wave of optimism into the Irish camp as they target one of Europe’s qualification spots for the 2026 World Cup.
Bookmakers in Ireland rate them as 1000/1 shots to win the World Cup, highlighting the size of the task the new manager has inherited.
However, given his track record of guiding smaller nations to major tournaments, several betting apps have been inundated with wagers backing Ireland to qualify.
Read on as we look at three players who kicked off the new Premier League season with one eye on helping Ireland upset the odds over the next couple of years.
Sammie Szmodics – Ipswich Town
After a drawn-out transfer saga, Ipswich Town eventually got the signing of Ireland international Sammie Szmodics over the line.
The 28-year-old started on the bench in their season opener against Liverpool. However, he replaced Axel Tuanzebe with 16 minutes to go as Ipswich threw everything at the Reds.
Szmodics had some nice touches to get the ball moving but ultimately looked rusty and lacked match sharpness. He will likely improve with time and as he settles into life at his new club.
Ipswich gave an excellent account of themselves against Liverpool, but the visitors had an overwhelming quality that shone through on the day.
Szmodics should soon be fit and firing for the challenge ahead. The former Blackburn Rovers star carries their hopes of Premier League survival in his boots.
After topping the Championship scoring chart last term, he will be expected to deliver the goals that potentially keep the Tractor Boys in the top flight.
The Emerald Isle will also hope he hits top form as they prepare for the Nations League, which kicks off with a home fixture against England on September 7.
Despite his impressive performances in the Championship, Szmodics has struggled to get into gear for the national team.
Hopefully, the Ipswich move is a springboard for him to get a proper run. He must start delivering the goods for his club and country.
Nathan Collins – Brentford
Brentford center-back Nathan Collins played the whole game as the Bees claimed their first win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League in five attempts.
The 20-cap Irishman put in a commanding performance, adeptly marshaling Odsonne Edouard. He won two of his three aerial and six of eight ground duels against the Eagles.
Collins won five tackles, recovered the ball eight times, and made two blocks and six clearances. The 23-year-old had a stellar outing on the ball, completing 46 out of 52 passes.
The Bees will need these performances every week from the Leixlip-born defender if they want to keep themselves in the English top flight for a fifth successive season.
Collins has been a mainstay for the national team under former manager Stephen Kenny and interim boss John O’Shea and will likely keep his place under Hallgrimsson.
One of Hallgrimsson’s objectives must be forging a solid center-back partnership between Collins, Liam Scales and Jake O’Brien.
Like Collins, Scales has started the Scottish Premiership season in terrific form, looking imperious defensively and even chipping in with a goal.
O’Brien did not get a look in as Brighton & Hove Albion mullered Everton 3-0 but will hope to take a starting berth in the coming weeks after a promising pre-season.
Their partnership will depend on whether Hallgrimsson sticks with a three-at-the-back formation or goes for a more conventional setup.
Collins must keep up this form and be a mainstay of the backline as they look to make a decent run in the Nations League and secure qualification for the coming World Cup.
Will Smallbone – Southampton
Central midfielder Will Smallbone played a crucial role as Southampton secured promotion to the Premier League, notching six goals and three assists in 43 appearances.
Next up on the agenda for him has to be proving his mettle in the top flight, and things got off to a bright start with a solid outing in the Saints’ Premier League opener against Newcastle United.
He was a vital cog for Russell Martin’s side, completing 43 out of 48 passes. His set-piece deliveries could have been better, but it was an exciting performance with room for improvement.
Smallbone even had an excellent chance to give Southampton the lead on Tyneside, spearheading a well-put-together move.
He picked up the ball on the right channel and combined well with Joe Aribo, entering the box and taking aim but pulled his shot wide. Jack Stephens stabbed the ball home but was offside.
It was a fantastic performance, reinforcing why Hallgrimsson should hand Smallbone the keys to run the show in the center of the park for Ireland.
The 24-year-old used the ball efficiently and showed why he must continue partnering with Burnley star Josh Cullen for the national team.
Hallgrimsson could add more legs to the center for better defensive cover, but unleashing Smallbone must be a priority.
