Aston Villa could benefit as key duo are overlooked for massive international clash

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Aston Villa have a promotion push to focus on, and two of their key players barely got a kick for their country this weekend.

Aston Villa’s defeat to Sheffield Wednesday came at the worst possible time, with their players heading off for yet another international break exactly when manager Steve Bruce would have wanted them to channel their disappointment into domestic matters.

That was not to be, but Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill’s decision to exclude Glenn Whelan and Conor Hourihane from their starting XI this weekend could benefit Villa long-term.

The Villa duo (along with rarely used teammate Scott Hogan) were named on the bench for Saturday’s World Cup play-off against Denmark and Whelan was not called on until the 88th minute, with Hourihane following five minutes later (just 60 seconds before the full-time whistle).

While that decision baffled some Ireland fans, along with plenty of Villa supporters, it could work to their club’s advantage if the duo return to the Midlands somewhat rested.

There is, of course, a second leg to come, and it will be interesting to see if one or both Villa midfielders start on Tuesday evening.

But based on O’Neill’s last decision, it could allow Villa to hit the ground running when their players return to domestic matters, later this month.

The club’s defeat last time out ended a fine run of form and they need to get back to winning ways against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, with Derby County hot on their heels and with a game in hand.