Lomas backs Smyth to follow in Dallas’ footsteps

Steve Lomas believes exciting QPR forward Paul Smyth can follow in the footsteps of Leeds United midfielder Stuart Dallas by making an impact in English football.

Northern Ireland international Dallas was snapped up by Brentford from Glentoran before moving to Leeds three years ago.

And former Northern Ireland international Lomas believes his country have another player with real potential in Smyth, who has impressed since moving to QPR from Linfield.

Lomas, who played for QPR as well as West Ham, told the R’s website: “I do a bit for Sky over in Northern Ireland and I did think that Paul Smyth for Linfield would be the next on the conveyor belt.

“We’ve had Stuart Dallas and Liam Boyce who have made it across and I actually recommended Smyth to Mick Harford at Luton as he was obviously a very talented chap.

“He’s an exciting player, very quick and he has a very big heart. and I’m sure he’ll go on to have many good years with QPR.

“There isn’t many that come out of the Irish league but he can certainly follow in the footsteps of the likes of Stuart Dallas and have a great career not only for QPR but also for Northern Ireland.”