The Aston Villa midfielder struggled on international duty today.
Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane is having a decent first season in the Premier League.
Villa boss Dean Smith has plenty of options but the Republic of Ireland international is holding his own at a higher level, playing in five of the West Midlands club’s eight games in the top flight.
In fact, last week Hourihane scored his first goal in the Premier League in the 5-1 demolition of Norwich City at Carrow Road.
The former Barnsley star played a big role in helping Smith’s side to promotion last season but, at times, he doesn’t look the same player on the international scene.
And today was one of those days.
Hourihane, who joined Aston Villa almost two years ago, started and lasted 90 minutes of the game in Georgia today as the Boys in Green were held to a 0-0 draw.
Not only did Hourihane – valued at £5 million [Transfermarkt] – struggle to impose himself on the midfield, but his set-piece delivery and crossing looked a tad askew.
Here’s how Irish fans reacted to his display:
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