Daryl Horgan was an unused substitute as Ireland beat Austria on Saturday – and he received praise from Paul McGrath.
Aston Villa legend Paul McGrath has taken to Twitter to congratulate Dundalk winger Daryl Horgan – who has been linked with a move to Villa Park.
Horgan was in the Republic of Ireland matchday squad to take on Austria on Saturday evening, but he wasn’t needed as Martin O’Neill’s men ran out 1-0 winners.
Republic of Ireland’s James McClean scores against Austria
A superb counter-attacking goal, which saw Wes Hoolahan play in James McClean to drive home, means Ireland sit top of Group D in the UEFA qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with three wins and a draw from four games.
Despite not getting on the field, it was still a huge weekend for winger Horgan, whose exploits for Dundalk were finally rewarded by Ireland, and his presence in the matchday squad – along with Dundalk team-mate Andy Boyle – was a major moment in Irish football.
Dundalk’s Daryl Horgan in action
Horgan, 24, has hit ten goals in his last 22 games for Dundalk, and his superb displays haven’t been limited to the League of Ireland; he’s also starred in the Europa League, helping Dundalk rub shoulders with the likes of Zenit St. Petersburg and AZ Alkmaar.
Unsurprisingly though, Horgan’s performances have triggered major interest in his signature, with RTE reporting that a number of clubs sent scouts to watch the winger in the FAI Cup final against Cork City earlier this month, including Aston Villa.
Paul McGrath – Aston Villa
On Saturday evening, Aston Villa legend Paul McGrath – who made 83 caps for the Republic of Ireland – sent out a message on Twitter praising Horgan for his hard work, and was delighted to see that work rewarded with a place in Ireland’s matchday squad.
Horgan’s contract with Dundalk expires in December, meaning he has a huge decision to make on his future, and Villa will be hoping that Horgan decides to try and follow in the footsteps of McGrath by signing for Villa and representing Ireland.
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