Glasgow Rangers, Celtic and Aston Villa have all been credited with an interest in Hourihane, but will Mark Warburton, Brendan Rodgers or Steve Bruce win the race for the impressive 25-year-old?
Roy Keane is a man that Conor Hourihane knows very well.
Keane was Sunderland’s manager when Hourihane arrived at the club as a 16-year-old. He is also the man who took the Barnsley midfielder to Ipswich Town three years later and is part of the Irish national team set-up in which Hourihane was included for the first time in October this year.
Republic of Ireland assistant coach Roy Keane
So what bearing might the former Manchester United captain have on his protege’s future?
Hourihane has reportedly rejected a new contract at Oakwell [Sheffield Star] and will be free to a good home next summer, if he is not snapped up before then.
Barnsley’s Conor Hourihane has been linked with moves to Rangers, Celtic and Aston Villa
Glasgow Rangers, Celtic and Aston Villa are said to be the three front-runners to sign the 25-year-old and it would a real surprise if Keane isn’t consulted when Hourihane comes to make a decision about his future.
Celtic’s Parkhead Stadium
Rangers’ Ibrox Stadium
Aston Villa’s Villa Park Stadium
Having grown up a Celtic fan, however, before ending his career with the Bhoys, the 45-year-old is unlikely to have many good things to say about Rangers, although Aston Villa may get a favourable mention, after Keane’s albeit brief spell as Paul Lambert’s assistant at Villa Park.
Of course, Keane’s opinion won’t determine which of the aforementioned clubs – if any – gets Hourihane, but given that he could have a major say in the player’s international future, Hourihane would perhaps be inclined to take his mentor’s advice.
Glasgow Rangers, Celtic or Aston Villa – which club do you think is best for Hourihane?
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