Sam Szmodics has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming international games.

The Blackburn Rovers forward has been in fantastic form this season, scoring seven goals already this season. Szmodics netted six in all competitions last year and so has already beaten his tally.

Szmodics' form has gone unnoticed by his national side thus far, much to the bemusement of Blackburn Rovers fans. Now, the penny has seemingly dropped, with the Championship's top-scorer called up for the squad.

Stephen Kenny's have two important European Championship qualifying matches over the international break. They first play Greece on Friday night before travelling to play Gibraltar on Monday.

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Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the Euros are slim to none. They're on three points from five games, with France leading the way on maximum points. With only five games to go, the Netherlands and Greece are both locked on nine points in second and third spot.

Szmodics will be hoping that his performances for Rovers can get him some match minutes. Ireland will be up against it when they host Greece but should be beating Gibraltar, who have no points and a goal difference of minus 17.

The 28-year-old was first called up to the Ireland squad in the summer of 2021, only to miss out on the chance of a debut in friendlies with Andorra and Hungary due to a recurring shoulder injury.

He hasn't been involved since, though part of that reason was due to administration issues surrounding the paperwork submitted for his Irish passport. That was resolved earlier this year and he's now been given the chance to impress once again.

Rovers also have Arnor Sigurdsson away with Iceland. Jon Dahl Tomasson revealed there is an agreement in place for the forward to only feature in one of their fixtures after recently returning from a long-term groin injury.