Szmodics out of hospital and 'on the mend' after collision

Prague – Republic of Ireland forward Sammie Szmodics has been discharged from hospital in the Czech capital after spending Thursday night under observation following a heavy head injury sustained in the World Cup play-off against the Czech Republic.

The 24-year-old, on loan at Derby County from Ipswich Town, was introduced as an extra-time substitute at the Fortuna Arena but lasted only two minutes before colliding with defender Stepan Chaloupek and being knocked unconscious. Medical staff sprinted on to treat him, and he was carried off on a stretcher before being taken directly to a nearby hospital.

A Football Association of Ireland spokesperson confirmed on Friday morning that Szmodics underwent tests and observation before being released. He will now continue his recovery under the joint care of the Republic of Ireland and Derby County medical teams.

Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson revealed after the match that Szmodics had been pencilled in to take a penalty in the shoot-out that ultimately ended Irish hopes of reaching this summer’s World Cup. The Czechs converted four spot-kicks to Ireland’s three, extending the nation’s wait for a first finals appearance since 2002.

Szmodics later posted on social media: “Gutted the way it ended. Fans and boys immense all evening!! Appreciate everyone’s messages. And thank you to the medical staff who acted so quickly to help me. On the mend.”

Captain Nathan Collins, still reeling from the late twist that saw Ladislav Krejci equalise in the 86th minute, believes the squad has laid important groundwork for future qualification campaigns. “I’m not seeing many positives right now because we’re in the gutter,” the Brentford defender admitted. “But what we’ve created, the environment created with the fans and country, has been special. That’s something we need to keep growing.”

Instead of a decisive play-off final against Denmark or North Macedonia in Dublin, Ireland will now host North Macedonia in a friendly on Tuesday as the Czechs welcome the Danes. Collins insists motivation must remain high: “Any game we play at home is a big game.”