Kieran McKenna teases positive Ipswich Town news v Sheffield United - it involves Sammie Szmodics | OneFootball

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has provided an injury update on Sammie Szmodics after he picked up an issue with Ireland on international duty.

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has revealed Sammie Szmodics could play against Sheffield United on Friday night despite picking up an injury on international duty with Ireland.

The attacker played for the Boys In Green as they drew 2-2 with Hungary on Saturday, but he was replaced with just over ten minutes to play.

Whilst he didn’t appear to be carrying an issue, Szmodics took to social media to confirm he had suffered an injury problem, which prevented him from travelling to Armenia, who beat Ireland 2-1 to dent their World Cup hopes.

Kieran McKenna provides Sammie Szmodics injury update

Therefore, fans of the Tractor Boys have been waiting for an update on the forward, and speaking to journalist Kallum Brisset, McKenna revealed that the injury isn’t severe, with Szmodics not ruled out of Sheffield United’s visit to Portman Road for Friday night.

“We don't know for Friday night. He had some swelling on his ankle that he had surgery on in the summer. We'll make an assessment in the morning. It's not impossible that he could play.”

Szmodics has played in all of Ipswich’s games so far this season, which included starting the first three league games, but he was used from the bench in the 2-2 draw with Derby County last time out.

Sammie Szmodics will have a big role to play at Ipswich Town this season

Firstly, it’s a real positive for Ipswich that Szmodics’ injury isn’t a serious one, and even though he may not be able to play against the Blades, he is going to be available for the busy upcoming period.

Of course, McKenna won’t be taking any risks at this stage of the campaign with Szmodics, but he would want him to be involved if possible, as the former Blackburn man is a quality operator at this level.

Like most of his teammates, Szmodics hasn’t shown his talent in the opening weeks, but all who remember him for Rovers will recognise just how good he can be.

He scored 27 times in the 2023/24 season, and he will want to hit those heights again for Ipswich after a difficult first year with the club in the Premier League.

But, even if Szmodics does miss out, McKenna knows that he has a squad that is packed full of players with ability, so competition for places is going to be fierce this season - which is exactly as it should be.

The likes of Chuba Akpom, Ivan Azon and Jack Clarke are among the options available for the boss as he looks to shake things up for Sheffield United’s visit, with Ipswich still looking to secure their first win of the season in the Championship.