Tom Cannon scored twice for Leicester this afternoon.
Ireland Under-21 capped Tom Cannon started 2024 in style with his first goal for Leicester City this afternoon.
Cannon, who has been sidelined since September with a lower back injury, returned last month and made his first start for the Foxes today. The Aintree native took advantage of his chance with two goals either side of half-time as Championship leaders Leicester defeated Huddersfield Town 4-1.
Cannon, who turned 21 last week, scored on his Ireland Under-21 debut in a friendly win over Iceland in March, but has decided to step back as he considers his future with the national team following interest from his native England. He has not worn a green uniform since then. He was also called up to Stephen Kenny’s senior training camp in Bristol in May, but he did not report due to tonsillitis.
“I talked to Tom about his stress fracture,” U-21 coach Jim Crawford said in November. “There have been communications but there is no commitment at the moment. Certainly myself and all of the staff are very interested in Tom’s progress and are delighted with his move to Leicester.”
Meanwhile, Ireland squad member Sammy Schmodics continues to score goals, finding the back of the net again in the match between Blackburn Rovers and Rotherham United.
The 28-year-old team captain scored his 15th Championship goal of the season, curling past the keeper just seconds after the restart. Andrew Moran also started alongside Szmodic, but the midfielder has scored nine goals in his last 11 league starts as Blackburn sit 17th in the table.
Former Ireland Under-21 midfielder Finn Azaz scored a stunning volley in Plymouth Argyle’s thrilling 3-3 draw at home to Watford this afternoon. The 23-year-old, who was born in London and qualified through his grandparents in Cork, has continued to impress on loan from Aston Villa, scoring seven goals and providing five assists for Argyle, who are currently 18th in the table.
Southampton remained unbeaten in their away game against Norwich City, with Gavin Bazunu and Ryan Manning starting. Saints remain unbeaten since September, with birthday boy Shane Duffy starting for the hosts and Adam Ida coming off the bench.
Elsewhere in the Championship, it wasn’t a memorable New Year for Alan Brown’s Preston North End, who lost 2-0 to Sunderland. Jason Knight’s Bristol City lost 1-0 at home to Millwall, while Jason Molumby’s West Brom also lost to Swansea.