Will Smallbone hopes set-piece tips from James Ward-Prowse can benefit Ireland

Will Smallbone is hoping to take a leaf out of set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse’s book as he attempts to prove himself invaluable to the Republic of Ireland. The 23-year-old Southampton midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Sky Bet Championship Stoke, was named man of the match on his senior debut for his country in March’s 3-2 friendly victory over Latvia and will hope for a competitive bow in this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar. Manager Stephen Kenny is well aware of Basingstoke-born Smallbone’s dead ball capabilities and having spent time on the training ground with free-kick master Ward-Prowse, he is hoping that might aid his cause. He said: “I always took set-plays going through the academy at Southampton and when I went to the first-team, I have done a few sessions with James. “He’s one of the best, probably in the world, at taking free-kicks and to learn from him is something that I was very fortunate to do. Hopefully I can carry that into the Ireland squad.” Smallbone’s introduction to the international stage could not have gone a lot better as he turned in an assured display, admittedly against limited opposition. The stuff that’s happened to me over the last few years, I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. Republic of Ireland midfielder Will Smallbone Asked if he has been surprised at how well it had gone, he said: “Yes and no. I am obviously confident in my own ability, but it was very nice to have my debut go alongside a man of the match. “Maybe at the time it wasn’t something I thought about too much, but looking back on it, it will always be something that I’m very proud of. “It has always been a dream of mine to get through to the senior international stage and to have that match in March was fantastic for me. I feel ready now to push on and hopefully play a big part in the campaign.” Smallbone’s Ireland adventure is reward for all the hard work he has put in to fight his way back from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in January 2021 while at the same time dealing with alopecia – he has since become an ambassador for Alopecia UK – a process which he believes has made him stronger. He said: “The stuff that’s happened to me over the last few years, I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. I’ve shown resilience and a lot of character to know that I can take on anything that is thrown at me.” The midfielder, who qualifies for Ireland through his Kilkenny-born mother, will return to the relegated Saints after the summer. He said: “I’m happy to concentrate on Ireland and worry about that when I get back, but next season is very important for me to carry on playing football.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live I thought I was going to cry – Jarrod Bowen emotional as West Ham win trophy French Open day 11: Swiatek marches on as Zverev and Ruud seal semi-final spot Jos Buttler hits half-century as Lancashire return to winning ways in the Blast