Jon Dahl Tomasson lauded “incredible” Sammie Szmodics after his first career hat-trick helped Blackburn defeat Cambridge 5-2 in the FA Cup third round.
United threatened to shock their Sky Bet Championship hosts and twice went ahead, first through Jack Lankester’s curling finish and then Sullay Kaikai’s emphatic volley. In between those goals, Szmodics swept home and he brought Rovers level again with a typically clinical strike.
The Championship’s leading scorer took his remarkable tally for the season to 19 in first-half stoppage time with a first-time volley from close range, showing the confidence of a player in the form of his life.
Arnor Sigurdsson’s close-range finish midway through the second half and Harry Leonard’s powerful late header rounded off the scoring, but the star man was Szmodics and Rovers boss Tomasson praised his performance.
He said: “The development of Sammie is great to see. He’s a team player, he’s a goalscorer. He’s very good in doing all the things we want, then of course scoring that amount of goals and also even getting assists.
“And still the good thing is, he can miss a chance and it doesn’t matter, he can go on. Great character and great to see him getting the ball with him at home.
“After Christmas last season, I think he’s been really good for Rovers and after the summer holiday, he’s been extremely good. He’s also added those goals.
“We always know he can score goals but he’s not used to playing a lot of games at this level first of all, he played with Peterborough but not a lot. The way he’s scoring goals, the confidence he’s playing with and the role he takes as one of the senior players is quite incredible.”
Cambridge manager Neil Harris was disappointed with the manner of the goals his League One side conceded.
He said: “The game went how we expected it to go. Sammie Szmodics is a top player. We didn’t help ourselves at times with conceding goals, individual errors again which have cost us and we have to cut them out because when you play against good sides, you can’t give them a leg up.
“In the first half, our shape was excellent, our press was excellent, we regained the ball and used it really well, scored two really good goals.
“But you can’t give goals to these teams. You can’t give opportunities in the box to these teams because they are just too clinical. That’s my only frustration is that we didn’t help ourselves.
“I’m pleased with some aspects of the game, pleased for the two guys who got on the scoresheet, but ultimately, if you score two goals away from home in the FA Cup you don’t expect to lose by three goals.”
Eddie Howe has spoken about the possibility of Alexander Isak joining Liverpool.Eddie Howe was quizzed on Alexander Isak following Newcastle's defeat to CelticEddie Howe has insisted that he is 'confident' about Alexander Isak staying at Newcastle despite significant interest from Liverpool. The forward has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield and appears to be facing an uncertain future. Li...
Liverpool have submitted a €90 million (£78m/$105m) bid to Eintracht Frankfurt for French striker Hugo Ekitike. Sky Sports have revealed that an agreement in principle has been established between Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt, laying the groundwork for what could soon become one of the most significant deals of the summer.Liverpool are determined to get EkitikeHave submitted a S...
Gyokeres' father 'emotionally distraught' as Arsenal transfer stallsArsenal’s pursuit of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has hit an impasse, with discussions over the transfer structure reaching a frustrating deadlock. Talks with Sporting Lisbon have made little headway in recent days, resulting in growing despondency among those closest to the player.Barcelona linked with shock move for Rea...
Harry Kane Bayern Munich 2025 FIFA Club World CupBayern Munich’s hunt for a capable understudy to Harry Kane has hit a roadblock, as VfB Stuttgart reportedly continue to resist their efforts to sign emerging forward Nick Woltemade. The Bavarian giants have already made two formal bids, but both were swiftly turned down by Stuttgart, who are holding firm on their valuation of the 23-year-old ...
Manchester City FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier LeagueKevin De Bruyne says it is "an honour" that his new club Napoli allowed him to train in the No.10, which has been retired to honour Diego Maradona.WHAT HAPPENED?De Bruyne was speaking at his media unveiling. He joined Napoli on a free transfer last month after spending the last decade with Manchester City. As a welcome gesture, the club arranged...
Bayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Bayern München - BundesligaEx-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is reportedly set to snub a Premier League return with Sunderland despite mounting speculation about his future at Bayer Leverkusen. The 32-year-old moved to the Bundesliga in 2023 after a lengthy seven-year stint in North London, where he developed into a combative leader for the Gunners. Since then he has playe...
Viktor Gyokeres ArsenalArsenal’s pursuit of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has hit an impasse, with discussions over the transfer structure reaching a frustrating deadlock. Talks with Sporting Lisbon have made little headway in recent days, resulting in growing despondency among those closest to the player.WHAT HAPPENED?As the deal continues to stall, the once-promising move to north London...
Germany France Euro 2025Germany overcame the first-half dismissal of Katrin Hendrich, to beat France 6-5 on penalties after battling to a 1-1 draw after extra time.France v Germany - UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Quarter-FinalTELL ME MOREAll hope looked lost for Germany just 10 minutes into the game, when a VAR check, seemingly out of nowhere, revealed Kathrin Hendrich had inexplicably pulled Greidge Mbo...
Liverpool ace Diaz agrees personal terms with Bayern MunichBayern Munich are ready to try again for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz in the coming week. Bayern had a €65m offer rejected by Liverpool at the beginning of the week, with the Reds insisting Diaz won't leave for less than €100m.However, Diaz has informed Liverpool he'd like them consider Bayern's offer as he weighs up whether now ...
REVEALED: Barcelona message sparked outrage and convinced Nico to re-commit to Athletic BilbaoA Whatsapp message has emerged as the key reason why Barcelona's move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams fell through last week.A year after Nico had rejected Barca and signed a new deal with Athletic, history repeated as the Spain international again held talks with the Catalans before turning down...
- 1 Brooklyn Beckham's ex inspires Palmer as Chelsea crush PSG
- 2 Spurs get huge lift in Morgan Gibbs-White row
- 3 Model skips Lamine Yamal's party over 'weird demands'
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Jude Bellingham finally undergoes surgery on recurrent dislocated shoulder injury as Real Madrid confirm successful procedure for England star ahead of long layoff
- 6 Noni Madueke parties at Wireless with Jadon Sancho
- 7 Xabi Alonso sends warning to Real Madrid stars after PSG thrashing
- 8 Chelsea star’s stunning model Wag captured 'best UFO footage ever'
- 9 Man United ace Alejandro Garnacho rejects Cristiano Ronaldo reunion
- 10 Daily Laugh - Watch and remember the kids