The Aston Villa man has been backed to become an Ireland regular.
Conor Hourihane of Aston Villa
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Kevin Kilbane has been discussing the talents of Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane this week, and how he can be a big hit under former Villa boss Martin O’Neill.
O’Neill, who coached Aston Villa from 2006 until 2010, was a popular boss at Villa Park – largely for the great form his side showed in the Premier League. Looking back now it is fair to say Villa have not reached anywhere near the potential they showed when O’Neill was still manager.
Martin O’Neill, coach of Republic of Ireland gives instructions during the International Friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Iceland at Aviva Stadium on March 28, 2017 in Dublin,…
Now O’Neill is manager of Ireland and Kilbane, speaking to the Southern Star, believes Hourihane can become a big asset to the Irish:
“Ireland are crying out for a midfielder that can score goals.
“We haven’t had one for a long time… under Martin O’Neill I think he does give one of the midfielders licence to get forward and support the forwards. That’s a position that Conor could fill and for him now, it’s about impressing.’
“He is in the Irish squad now and he has to keep having an influence on games and scoring goals when Martin O’Neill or Roy Keane go to watch him – because then they will have to trust to put him into the starting 11.
“Conor is a player that I admire more than most…He is close now to a starting berth with the Irish squad. He has been around the squad, played in matches and the next step for him now is to get in the team and make the position his own.”
Ilcho Naumoski of Macedonia and Kevin Kilbane of Republic of Ireland in action during the UEFA EURO 2012 Group B Qualifier between Republic of Ireland and Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium on…
Hourihane, who has three caps for his national team, initially struggled at Villa following his switch from Barnsley a year ago. However, he has been in good form this term. The 27-year-old has scored seven times since the start of the season and is currently helping Villa push up the Championship table with his performances in the midfield and his goal threat.
Villa, who are on a six game win streak in the second-tier, are certainly pleased to have him on board and will hope he can continue to thrive.
If he can continue such form, it will not be long until he becomes a regular in the Ireland starting XI.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
