WILL Smallbone showed potential suitors what he can do for them with his first goals on the youth international stage for Republic of Ireland.

The 22-year-old – who has been linked with a reported loan move to Nottingham Forest next season – netted twice for Ireland’s under-21s during a 3-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Saints academy graduate, Smallbone, opened the scoring after just 16 minutes with a finish from inside the area, before doubling his tally in the final 10 minutes from similar range.

The Basingstoke-born youngster, picking up his fourth cap at that level, has not scored in a competitive senior game since January 2020 – in large part due to injury.

Smallbone suffered an ACL and calf injury within the space of a year to limit his action to just eight appearances for Ralph Hasenhuttl this campaign.

He could go to newly-promoted Forest as cover for the likely departing James Garner, who is set to return to Manchester United for assessment after his loan spell at City Ground.

Smallbone is under contract with Saints until 2024 and given his unfortunate circumstances and popularity, will likely be given maximum chance to push on with the St Mary’s club.

He has always excelled at Premier League 2 level, scoring seven goals and providing more assists in 45 matches for the B team.

On his social media after the Republic of Ireland under-21 match, Smallbone said: “Buzzing with that! Two goals and a win!”

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