I'll be like a dog with a 'bone

HE'S GOT THE WILL POWER TO THRIVE IF GIVEN THE CHANCE

- PAUL O'HEHIR

WILL SMALLBONE feels he has developed the mental toughness to cope with anything that is thrown his way.

And it's why the Ireland newcomer won't be fazed if pitched into the heat of Euro 2024 qualifying action in Athens next week.

The playmaker suffered a cruciate ligament injury two years ago and, during a 10-month spell on the sidelines, was also diagnosed with alopecia.

But Smallbone has shown great resilience on and off the pitch since those professional and personal setbacks.

And in Turkey this week, he is looking to put his best foot forward for Ireland ahead of their clash with Greece.

"The stuff that's happened to me over the last few years I wouldn't wish upon anyone," said the 23-year-old, from Ireland's warm-weather camp in Antalya.

"I've shown resilience and a lot of character to know that I can take on anything that's thrown at me.