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Will Smallbone
Irish footballer (born 2000) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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William Anthony Patrick Smallbone (born 21 February 2000) is a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for EFL Championship club Southampton. Born in England, he plays for the Republic of Ireland national team.
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Club career
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Southampton
2017–2022
On 21 February 2017, Smallbone signed a professional contract with Southampton.[5] He made his professional debut for Southampton in a 2–0 FA Cup victory over Huddersfield Town on 4 January 2020, scoring the opening goal.[6] On 22 February 2020, Smallbone went on to make his Premier League debut in a 2–0 victory over Aston Villa.[7]
Having just started to appear regularly for the first team, on 16 January 2021, Smallbone suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a 2–0 defeat at Leicester. As a result, he was expected to be out of action for up to six months.[8] On 26 October 2021, Smallbone made his first professional appearance since his injury, replacing Stuart Armstrong in Southampton's defeat to Chelsea after a penalty shootout in the EFL Cup.[9]
2022–present
On 23 July 2022, Smallbone joined Stoke City on a season-long loan.[10] He scored his first goal for Stoke in a 2–0 win at Preston North End on 15 October 2022.[11] Smallbone was a regular under Alex Neil in 2022–23, making 46 appearances, scoring three goals as Stoke finished in 16th position.[12]
On 28 August 2023, Smallbone signed a three-year contract extension with Southampton.[13] He scored his first league goal for the club on 30 September 2023 in a 3–1 victory against Leeds United.[14] On 17 May 2024, Smallbone scored the opening goal in a 3–1 victory against West Bromwich Albion in the second leg of the EFL Championship play-off semi-final, helping to secure his team's place in the final.[15] Later that month, on 26 May, he provided an assist for Adam Armstrong in a 1–0 victory against Leeds United in the final, ensuring his club's promotion to the Premier League.[16][17]
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International career
Smallbone qualified to play for the Republic of Ireland through his Kilkenny-born mother.[18] Smallbone made his debut for Republic of Ireland U21s against Italy U21s in October 2020.[19] On 3 June 2022, he scored his first goals for the Republic of Ireland U21 team, scoring a brace in a 3–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina U21 at Tallaght Stadium.[20] He followed that up by scoring a volley from outside the box three days later, to open the scoring in an eventual 3–1 win over Montenegro U21.[21][22]
In November 2022, Smallbone was included in Stephen Kenny's senior squad for forthcoming friendlies. He made his debut on 22 March 2023 in a friendly match against Latvia, which ended in a 3–2 victory.[23] He won Player of the Match award for his display against Latvia.[24]
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Personal life
Smallbone was diagnosed with alopecia in 2021 whilst recovering from his ACL injury.[25][26] In December 2022, he became an ambassador for Alopecia UK.[27][28]
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 25 May 2025
- Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
- Appearances in Championship play-offs
International
- As of match played 10 September 2024[38]
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Honours
Southampton
References
External links
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