Swansea manager Steve Cooper has confirmed that Republic of Ireland midfielder Conor Hourihane may miss the crucial World Cup qualifiers coming up next week. Hourihane was forced off yesterday after 18 minutes due to a hamstring injury, leaving him a major doubt for his country.

“I am not sure of the extent of his hamstring injury,” said Cooper on Hourihane’s injury.

“He has come off, but I am not sure how bad it is, that we will find out over the next few days.

“It seems he might not go away, but I don’t want to rule him in or out at the moment.”

Hourihane was in fine form leading up to his injury, contributing to 6 goals in 13 Championship games for Swansea.

The Corkman isn’t the only injury doubt that emerged for the Republic of Ireland yesterday, Bristol City winger Callum O’Dowda was also forced off with injury.

O’Dowda only just came back from an injury which kept him out for several months. The extent of the injury is yet unspecified, however with his lack of game time it would appear unlikely that he’ll feature during the international break.

Hourihane and O’Dowda add to an ever-growing list of injury doubts for the Republic of Ireland.

There are a number of players within the Ireland squad who are already injury doubts, as well as several others who didn’t make the squad due to injury.

The Republic of Ireland squad travel to Belgrade next Wednesday (March 24^th) to take on Serbia before meeting Luxembourg in the more familiar venue of the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (March 27^th). Their final trip takes them to Nagyerdei Stadion in Hungary on the following Tuesday (March 30^th) where they’ll face World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar in a friendly.

Squad announced for FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers

29-player squad named for the three matches with first senior call-up for Gavin Bazunu

24/03 | v
27/03 | v
30/03 | v #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/JMJN0VNsGo

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) March 18, 2021

The post ‘It seems he might not go away’ – Swansea boss on Hourihane’s Ireland availability appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Given the day that’s in it, we’ve decided to compile a list of the best Irish performers across the footballing world this season.

Season is, of course, a broad term so we’re limiting inclusions on the list to those of which who began their campaigns in Autumn last year. That means the likes of Jack Byrne and Aaron McEneff will miss out despite their impressive form.

Although the season is far from over yet, there’s been a significant enough portion played to determine players deserving of inclusion.

With that said, here’s an XI of the best Irish footballers this season.

GOALKEEPER

Gavin Bazunu – Rochdale (on loan from Manchester City)

The first inclusion on the list made for a fairly easy decision, all things considered. Caoimhin Kelleher is another who has had a fine season, however limited game time made it hard to pick the Corkman.

Despite being just 19 years of age, Gavin Bazunu has been well known to Irish football fans for a couple of years now. His penalty save against Cork City’s Kieran Sadlier as a 16-year-old firmly established himself as one of the brightest prospects in the country.

Almost 3 years on from that moment and he’s flourishing in his first full season of professional football.

Bazunu has started almost every game for Rochdale, making some magnificent saves in the process.

Just recently, he was awarded Rochdale Supporters’ Player of the Month for February as a token of appreciation for his fine form over the past month or so.

Given he’s one of the only Irish goalkeepers starting regularly at the moment, could Bazunu have an outside chance of starting against Serbia?

Honourable mentions: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Jack Bonham (Gillingham).

It’s that time of the weekend…

The latest from the Gavin Bazunu catalogue of 𝙗𝙞𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨 #RAFC pic.twitter.com/2zFarn2Low

— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) MARCH 14, 2021

RIGHT BACK

Séamus Coleman – Everton

Although he’s been in and out of the Everton team at times this season, Coleman has shown he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

Carlo Ancelotti is clearly an admirer, speaking about the Donegal man, he said: “I don’t want to forget anyone but he is up there as a captain with Maldini, John Terry and Sergio Ramos.”

High praise from one of the most decorated managers in Europe.

Barring yet another unfortunate injury, Coleman should be a shoo-in for the right back spot against Serbia.

Honourable mentions: Cyrus Christie (Nottingham Forest), Danny McNamara (Millwall).

LEFT BACK

Enda Stevens – Sheffield United

Realistically, there wasn’t many options to choose from in the left back position.

Ryan Manning’s severe lack of game time – particularly earlier in the season – excluded him from the XI and there really isn’t an in form Irish left backs regularly starting at any level.

So, by default, Enda Stevens takes the left back spot.

Stevens had an excellent 2019-20 season but has failed to replicate that form this term. Although he’s not solely to blame, he is a regular starter in the 2^nd worst defence in the Premier League.

His attacking output has also been lacking this season, to say the least.

Clearly a player of good quality based on previous seasons, hopefully he can come into form again sooner rather than later.

Honourable mentions: Joe Rafferty (Preston North End), Thomas O’Connor (Gillingham, on loan from Southampton).

CENTRE BACKS

Richard Keogh – Huddersfield Town

Just a couple of years ago, it looked like Richard Keogh’s career might be over. A drink driving incident involving himself and two other Derby County team mates left the former captain injured and shameful. Eventually, this led to the termination of his contract.

However, in a surprise move last summer, Keogh decided to return to football after almost a year out of the game. He signed for League One side MK Dons on a free and since then he’s very much revitalised his career.

His impressive performances for The Dons caught the attention of Championship side Huddersfield Town who signed Keogh in January.

His commanding performances have continued at Championship level and he looks to be a shrewd signing for Huddersfield, despite his age.

Could we see a shock return to the Ireland fold, also?

Dara O’Shea – West Bromwich Albion

Although it’s not been a particularly good season for West Brom, it’s been an exceptional one for 22-year-old Dara O’Shea.

Just two years ago, he was plying his trade at League Two level while on loan at Exeter City.

Since then, he’s managed to gain promotion to the Premier League with West Brom, earn 4 senior international caps and become a Premier League regular this season.

O’Shea has impressed at times this season despite his side having the worst defensive record in the Premier League. His ability to play out from the back as well as his defensive awareness have helped contribute to a solid debut Premier League campaign.

Honourable mentions: Ciaran Clark (Newcastle United), Nathan Collins (Stoke City).

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh

Happy St Patrick’s Day Everyone

pic.twitter.com/17ekYt0U4y

— Dara O’Shea (@dara_oshea_) MARCH 17, 2021

 

CENTRE MIDFIELDERS

Josh Cullen – RSC Anderlecht

After years of trying to break into the West Ham first team which seen him go on several loan spells and play sporadically in cup competitions for his parent club, Cullen finally made the move away from London last October. Cullen, in an unusual transfer for an Irish player, decided to move abroad to Belgium in order to ply his trade for the country’s most successful club, RSC Anderlecht.

So far, the move has been a major success story for the 24-year-old, gaining valuable first-team minutes and becoming a key player for the club.

You would think given his regular game time and solid performances that Stephen Kenny would find it hard to overlook Cullen as a starter for the upcoming World Cup qualification games.

Jason Knight – Derby County

It hasn’t been the best season for Wayne Rooney’s Derby County. Although their form has slightly improved since the Manchester United legend took over, they still hang dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Throughout their rough patch, Jason Knight has proved to be one of their best performers. The Irish midfielder’s desire, work rate and all-roundedness has endeared himself to the supporters and he’s become a real fan favourite.

He has played the most minutes of any Derby player despite just recently turning 20.

Tipped by many to have a big future, Knight could become one of Ireland’s most important players sooner rather than later.

Conor Hourihane – Swansea City (on loan from Aston Villa)

After a difficult start to the season which seen limited game time at Aston Villa, Hourihane decided to drop down a level and sign on loan for Swansea City in January.

So far, the move could hardly have gone any better.

The Corkman has played 12 Championship games since his move, contributing an impressive 5 goals and 1 assist in those games.

Swansea currently sit 3^rd in the Championship table and are just three points behind Watford who occupy an automatic promotion spot.

Could Hourihane inspire Swansea City to their first Premier League season since 2018?

Honourable mentions: Jamie McGrath (St Mirren), Wes Hoolahan (Cambridge United).

@ConorHourihane’s fifth Swans goal pic.twitter.com/q0WTgOCjG5

— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) MARCH 13, 2021

 

RIGHT WINGER

Anthony Scully – Lincoln City

The former West Ham striker turned winger has been one of Lincoln’s most important players in a promotion chasing season which currently sees them occupy 3^rd position.

Scully has played 28 League One games this season, scoring a rather impressive 6 goals from out wide.

His father, Tony Scully, was also a professional footballer and managed to get capped up to u21 level for the Republic of Ireland, a feat which Anthony has also managed to achieve.

Promotion this season with Lincoln would surely put him in contention for a senior cap in the near future.

Honourable mentions: Daryl Horgan (Wycombe Wanderers), Robbie Brady (Burnley).

LEFT WINGER

Aiden McGeady – Sunderland

Perhaps Ireland’s most in-form player at the moment, Aiden McGeady has enjoyed an incredible season with Sunderland.

McGeady’s creativity has been one of the main reasons that Sunderland find themselves within the automatic promotion spots in League One.

He’s contributed an incredible 11 assists and 2 goals in just 18 league games for the Tyneside club. One particular game against Doncaster Rovers seen him assist all of his side’s goals in a 4-1 win.

He also provided the only assist of the game as Sunderland won the Football League Trophy against Tranmere Rovers on Sunday.

Honourable mentions: Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City).

STRIKER

Joshua Kayode – Carlisle United (on loan from Rotherham United)

In a season where Irish strikers have largely failed to impress, Joshua – or JJ – Kayode has been an exception.

The former St. Francis FC man has managed 8 goal contributions in 27 League Two games this season for Carlisle, adding to the 3 goals he got for the club in 5 appearances last season.

His 6 goals this season means he’s one of the highest scoring u21 players in England’s top 4 tiers, just behind João Pedro and Keane Lewis-Potter.

He also made his full debut for Ireland u21s in November against Luxembourg where he managed to score an accurate header into the corner to add to an all-around impressive performance.

Kayode’s form this season could persuade Rotherham to give the 20-year-old a chance in their first-team next season, particularly with the club clinging to the bottom of the Championship table.

Honourable mentions: James Collins (Luton Town), Eoin Doyle (Bolton Wanderers).

Not bad https://t.co/fjefqSTwEQ

— Joshua Kayode (@joshuakayode_9) MARCH 15, 2021

The post Our Irish team of the season (so far) appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

It’s not been an easy ride for Stephen Kenny so far. Still to manage a win, Kenny’s Ireland record as it stands includes three draws and one loss. Injuries, suspensions and other factors haven’t done any favours for the Ireland manager in what has been a substandard start to his managerial reign. He has shown signs of promise, with impressive performances – despite the results – against both Slovakia and Wales.

Kenny will be hoping he can turn those performances into results by ending his winless run with a win against Finland in Helsinki today. However, it will be no easy challenge as Kenny’s side suffered a 1-0 loss against Finland in what was his first game in charge. Finland also won their previous Nations League match against Bulgaria so their camp will be full of confidence going into today’s game.

Finland find themselves in 2^nd on six points while Ireland are 3^rd with just two points to their name. Promotion from league B to league A looks unlikely at this stage for the Republic of Ireland, but good results in their final three group games would mean not getting dragged into a relegation battle. Finland are still very much in the promotion picture. A win against the Finns could be the catalyst Ireland need to finish off the Nations League campaign early.

Tomorrow | #COYBIG | #FINIRL pic.twitter.com/UbXLNiS9v4

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) OCTOBER 13, 2020 

Both teams play a similar style of football, pressing high up the pitch and playing high tempo passing football so it should be an entertaining watch, for the neutral at least.

Here is all the information you need to know about today’s fixture:

Team News

Ireland

Ireland are going into this match with an entirely different squad than what was announced initially. Between injuries and illness, Ireland can count themselves unlucky to be in the position they currently find themselves in. Several key players are missing from the squad – including Seamus Coleman, David McGoldrick and John Egan. Kenny was however handed a significant boost earlier this week as Adam Idah and Aaron Connolly were both passed fit to play, having been previously unavailable due to coronavirus concerns.

Ireland may need to rely on some of their young talent, something which Kenny’s predecessors have often failed to do. The average age of the Ireland squad available for selection is 25.5 years. This is much younger than it has been in the past. Irish fans will be hoping youth trumps experience as just four players in the squad have upwards of twenty caps.

Suspensions: James McClean

Injuries: James McCarthy + another unnamed player (covid-19)

Predicted line-up:

Finland

Finland, unlike Ireland, should have a full squad available. There are no significant injuries or suspensions within the Finland camp, meaning they’ll be at full strength come this evening.

Daniel O’Shaughnessy will be hoping to start against his ancestral homeland for the second time, having previously played Ireland earlier in the Nations League campaign. His father hails from Galway given his Irish sounding name but he’s a proud Finn, having represented his country from u15 level onwards. Another player Ireland will have to keep an eye on is Teemu Pukki, who will likely start up top for Finland.

Suspensions: None

Injuries: None

Predicated line-up:

Finland vs. Ireland Prediction

Like the first encounter between the two nations, this will likely be a hard-fought affair. Finland will probably fancy their chances given the outcome of the previous game but Ireland will be no pushovers, they’ll be desperate to turn their fortunes around after a miserable campaign so far.

Finland are in better form than Ireland having won four of their last six competitive game – including a 1-0 victory over the aforementioned opponents – but Kenny appears to be finding his feet with performances improving game by game. There have been considerable improvements made since the first meeting between the two sides and Irish fans will be hoping for a much better performance than last time.

Our prediction for the game is:

Ireland 1 – 0 Finland

For those looking for further information:

Where is the match being played?

The match is being played in Finland’s home ground, the Helsinki Olympic stadium. This will be the Republic of Ireland’s third time visiting the stadium, having previously played there in 1949 and 2002.

When is the match being played?

It is being played on the 14^th of October. The match will kick off at 5 p.m. Irish standard time.

Is it being televised?

Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Football will have coverage of the event. The match will not be free to air on Irish television. Virgin Media Two will have highlights of the match at 10 p.m. with full coverage of the match to follow at 11 p.m.

Viewers in the United States can also catch the game on ESPN+.

Where can the match be streamed?

Viewers can also stream the match through NOW TV’s Sky Sports Pass. The service can be purchased for one day for €11 or customers can purchase a month pass for €37.

The post Preview – Republic of Ireland vs. Finland appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Stephen Kenny’s reign had not gone to plan prior to facing Wales. Having failed to pick up a win against Finland, Bulgaria and Slovakia, some Irish fans had begun doubting his credentials already.  Kenny was afforded no favours after no less than 5 players were sidelined due to a positive test in the Irish camp. Combine this with the other 4 players out of contention and Ireland would have a matchday squad of just 18 players. The circumstances surrounding the Ireland camp and Aaron Ramsey’s return meant that Wales were the firm bookies favourite. Despite this, Ireland produced an impressive performance in which they controlled possession and produced some tidy attacking moves.

Although it was 0-0, it wasn’t a drab affair. Both teams played good football at times without creating too many chances. Stephen Kenny will no doubt be pleased by the performance, especially given the circumstances surrounding the match.

As things stand, Kenny’s men are currently third in the Nations League table, but a win for Bulgaria against Finland would push Ireland to the bottom of the table. The campaign is far from over with three further games still yet to be played, though. It looks like Wales will finish as group winners, but Ireland could still finish in a respectable position given results go their way. They will be hoping to close out the international break with a win against Finland on Wednesday.

Here are our player ratings from tonight’s performance:

IRISH PLAYER RATINGS

DARREN RANDOLPH – 7

Randolph produced a solid display as usual. He was stagnant for the most part as Ireland contained Wales and kept possession comfortably, but when he was needed, he delivered.

He produced a good save on 26 minutes to keep the score at 0-0 but otherwise had very little to do in the first half. He had Irish fans holding their breath at one stage as he dropped the ball after collecting from a corner. Fortunately though, he received a free kick after a collision with Ethan Ampadu. He had little to do in the second half as Ireland continued to control the flow of the game, only making one save from a David Brooks attempt.

MATT DOHERTY – 8

Doherty slotted in at right back to start the game, but just after 20 minutes he would assume the unfamiliar role of centre back. He made a couple positive runs without reward before he was forced into changing position.

He led by example at centre back despite not being natural in the position. He made some important challenges to regain possession and his positional play was up to the mark as he held a good line with the rest of the back four. He swept up several opposition passes and disrupted Welsh attacking moves with ease.

This was arguably Doherty’s best performance in an Ireland shirt and he will have certainly impressed Stephen Kenny after a poor showing against Slovakia.

SHANE DUFFY – 7

Duffy produced another good display at the back which has become the norm over recent years. He consistently provided a problem at set pieces in the first half as he looked to latch onto Robbie Brady’s deliveries.

He was reassured defensively throughout. He made a crucial defensive header towards the end of the match after a quality Welsh cross. Other than a few misplaced passes, Duffy was once again colossal at the back.

KEVIN LONG – 6

It was over a year since Long had played a match for Ireland before today, but his appearance was to be short lived. He was taken off 24 minutes into the game as he sustained a nasty swell above his left eye after an accidental elbow from Welsh target man, Kieffer Moore. Long will be disappointed to have been forced off early but he certainly made an impression while on the pitch. He proved to be very comfortable on the ball and won all of his 50/50s before his unfortunate injury.

ENDA STEVENS – 7

Stevens had a quiet game for the most part. He was good defensively but didn’t provide much in terms of going forward for the majority of the match.

He did however create the best chance of the game with a looping cross into Shane Long, which the latter unfortunately missed.

CONOR HOURIHANE – 6

Hourihane put in a solid performance in the middle of the park without being outstanding. He was accurate in his passing and switched play well at times, but he assumed a deeper role in the absence of James McCarthy. He often collected the ball in his own half instead of operating further up the pitch.

He delivered an excellent ball into the box from a set piece towards the end of the first half but failed to provide a threat in the second 45.

JAYSON MOLUMBY – 7

Jayson Molumby came in for James McCarthy in what was his second senior international appearance. He took his opportunity well in what was a tireless display before he was subbed off towards the end of the match.

He carried the ball well on several occasions and recycled the ball with efficiency. Although he wasn’t as involved in the second half, but still managed to provide much needed energy in midfield. He often dropped deep when defending and provided reliable cover for Cyrus Christie at right back. He’s certainly one for the future.

JEFF HENDRICK – 7

Jeff Hendrick started the match in an advanced midfield position, leaving Molumby and Hourihane to drop deep and do the dirty work.

He had a quiet first half and failed to influence proceeding, often playing sideways or backwards passes. He was more positive in the second half, playing a more progressive game by carrying the ball and looking for forward passes. He was involved in some impressive attacking sequences and can be happy with his second half performance, even if his attempts didn’t always come off.

ROBBIE BRADY – 7

Brady appears to be back to his best for Ireland after a frustrating few years with injuries. He came in on the right wing after Callum Robinson had been sidelined and he has every reason to be happy with his performance.

He was particularly excellent in the first half, consistently threatening the Welsh defence in open play and dead ball situations. He had one of Ireland’s best chances of the game after being gifted the ball from a misplaced pass before striking wide with inches separating the ball and the net.

After his brilliant first half display, Brady was quiet in the second half and was subbed off with 73 minutes played.

JAMES MCCLEAN – 5

James McClean started his second Ireland game in a row on the left after Aaron Connolly remained out of action.

He had a relatively quiet game before being sent off in the 82^nd minute for a rash challenge which earned him a second yellow card.

SHANE LONG – 5

Shane Long received a rare start for Ireland after David McGoldrick was sidelined.

Always a willing runner, Long was impressive at times in his pressing of the Welsh backline. He failed to impress in front of goal, however, missing the best chance of the game after a precise cross from Enda Stevens.

He was very quiet before being replaced by Sean Maguire on 73 minutes.

SUBS

CYRUS CHRISTIE – 7

A third choice right back for the national team these days, Christie made a rare appearance after being subbed on for the injured Kevin Long.

He gradually got better as the game progressed. After an unimpressive first half, Christie played well in the second. He was assured defensively without providing much threat going forward. He made one brilliant interception which would eventually lead to an Ireland chance. Overall, it was solid performance from the man on loan at Nottingham Forest.

DARYL HORGAN – 6

After coming on for Robbie Brady in the 73^rd minute, Horgan had one of the best chances of the game. He met a James McClean cross with his head which bounced off a Welsh defender into Horgan’s feet, but he blasted over the crossbar at the second opportunity. He carried the ball fairly well at times but failed to create any chances.

SEAN MAGUIRE – 6

Maguire came on for Shane Long in the 73^rd minute to try and make his mark on the game. He showed a series of tidy touches towards the end of the match and produced a line breaking pass into Daryl Horgan’s feet, but the latter failed to capitalize. Otherwise, it was a quiet cameo by the Preston man.

JOSH CULLEN – N/A

Cullen didn’t have enough time on the pitch to make an impact.

MAN OF THE MATCH – MATT DOHERTY

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