As the Premier League soap opera cranks back into action this weekend to distract us all, Heimir Hallgrímsson and his scouting staff will find themselves taking in more Southampton and Everton games than those at the top end of the table. And it is not just the English leagues that they will need to keep a close eye on. Here we take a closer look at some of the players that the new Ireland manager will be hoping can make their mark on a new season.
Ireland’s dearth of options in the middle of the park means there will be a lot more eyes on how the 24-year-old performs for the Saints. Smallbone was vital to Southampton bouncing straight back up last season, scoring seven goals and creating roughly the same number for his side. It followed on from a fine Championship season on loan with Stoke.
He has played nine times in the Premier League as a wispy youngster, before an ACL injury curtailed his progress – three games into the 2020/21 season. He was out for almost a year and when he returned, he struggled to get back into the team and was farmed out to Stoke. However, Smallbone played 46 times for the Saints last season and has been given the number 8 shirt, that once belonged to James Ward-Prowse, for the year ahead.
His set-piece delivery and ability to get into the box from midfield can become key weapons for both club and country. With Ryan Manning at left back and Gavin Bazunu, when he comes back from injury, also part of Russell Martin’s plans, Hallgrímsson may .