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Sammie Szmodics offers health update after ace was knocked out during World Cup qualifier

Republic of Ireland forward Sammie Szmodics was knocked unconscious during his side's World Cup play-off loss to Czechia and has now offered a health update

[Heimir Hallgrmsson checks on Sammie Szmodics ]

Heimir Hallgrmsson checks on Sammie Szmodics (Image: INPHO/Ben Brady)

Sammie Szmodics has confirmed he is 'on the mend' after being knocked out cold during Ireland's loss to Czechia on Thursday evening.

The 30-year-old forward was rushed to hospital following a severe collision with tpn Chaloupek, occurring just moments after he entered the pitch for Ireland towards the end of extra-time in Prague.

Szmodics, who is on loan at Derby County from fellow Championship club Ipswich Town this season, expressed his gratitude to the medical team as he provided an update on X on Friday morning. The forward posted: "Gutted the way it ended. Fans and boys immense all evening! Appreciate everyone's messages.

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"And thank you to the medical staff who acted so quickly to help me. On the mend. We go again. COYBIG."

Shortly after Szmodics' post, the FAI confirmed that he had been released from hospital, reports the Irish Mirror.

Their statement read: "Sammie Szmodics was transferred to hospital yesterday having sustained a head injury during extra-time of the play-off against Czechia.

"Following further tests and a period of observation, he has been safely discharged from hospital - and will continue his recovery under the care of the Republic of Ireland and Derby County medical teams."

Manager Heimir Hallgrmsson disclosed after the game that Szmodics would remain in Prague overnight and was expected to fly back to Dublin on Friday.

He stated: "The last thing we heard he was conscious so he was knocked out cold. At least he is conscious now and he will stay here tonight and fly home hopefully tomorrow."

Ireland suffered a devastating penalty defeat in Prague as Jan Kliment's successful spot-kick edged the Czech Republic one step closer to World Cup qualification. The crucial play-off will pit them against Denmark in the Czech capital on Tuesday.

Substitute Kliment netted the decisive penalty at the Fortuna Arena, following saves by Matej Kovar from both Finn Azaz and Alan Browne. The match ended 2-2 after extra-time, with the Czechs staging a comeback after being two goals down.

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