Millwall striker scores on international stage – and gets another chance to star against Albania tonight
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson scored for Iceland in their 3-0 win over Moldova on Saturday in a European Championship qualifier – and the Millwall striker is set to get another chance on the international stage tonight.
The Lions frontman should start in the Group H match in Albania.
Bodvarsson netted twice for the South London club in the League Cup win over Oxford United just before hooking up with his nation.
“It is great for a centre-forward to score goals and get that recognition,” said Millwall boss Neil Harris. “Jon Dadi came in two weeks after we started [pre-season] and his first real training days were in Portugal.
“He was behind the group and had to play catch-up. He worked extremely hard doing that with extra sessions.
“All the players understand the importance of being fit and mentally focused when called upon. The sharpness and focus of the centre-forwards is really key – Smithy [Matt Smith], Bradders [Tom Bradshaw], Aiden [O’Brien] and Jon Dadi all understand that.”
Shane Ferguson has been away with Northern Ireland and they were due to face Germany last night in Belfast.
Millwall are back in action this Saturday at Blackburn Rovers.
“The players away won’t be back until Thursday and that is when the real preparation [for the Championship fixture] will begin,” said Harris. “We’ll have build-up days where we work on things but the real tactical work for Blackburn doesn’t start in earnest until Thursday.
“We’ll drop little bits in the sessions to help plan for things.”
Jayson Molumby, on a season-long loan from Brighton, was man of the match in the Republic of Ireland U21s’ 1-0 win over Armenia.
The midfielder is set to captain Ireland again tonight as they take on Sweden in Kalmar.
“Shane, Jon Dadi and Jayson [Molumby] all started games – from a fitness perspective and a confidence perspective that is good for the lads,” said Harris.
“It was also good to see Danny McNamara on the bench [for the Republic of Ireland U21s].
“Danny is a tenacious right-back who is an excellent defender. He is getting better all the time.
“He has had a pleasing start to life in League Two [on loan with Newport County].”
PICTURE BY BRIAN TONKS