Mick McCarthy’s decision not to involve the Villa Park midfielder was heavily criticised by fans on social media.
Aston Villa ace Conor Hourihane failed to make the Republic of Ireland’s starting XI for their Euro 2020 qualifying clash with Switzerland and plenty of fans questioned the decision, both after the team news was published and at the end of the game.
The 28-year-old featured in 46 Championship games for the Villans last season – regular and playoffs – complete with eight goals and 12 assists (Transfermarkt), while this term he has made five Premier League appearances, getting off the mark with a goal and assist in the 5-1 thumping of Norwich.
Despite the £5.9million (Transfermarkt) man’s talents and form, Mick McCarthy did not pick him for the big game against the Swiss and he remained an unused substitute as the Irish fell to a 2-0 defeat, leaving them facing a crunch tie against Denmark in Dublin next month in order to qualify for the finals proper next summer.
Here is some of the social media reaction to Hourihane’s snub:
Haris Seferovic’s 16th-minute strike proved the difference between the two sides, before the home side sealed the win thanks to Shane Duffy’s own goal.
With the international break now over, Hourihane will return to Aston Villa ahead of Dean Smith and co returning to Premier League action against Brighton at Villa Park this Saturday.
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