EVERY MONDAY, WE scan the passports, check the family trees and cross-reference with the “granny rule” to keep you informed about the ups and downs of all the Irish (and Irish-eligible) footballers in England and Scotland. Think of us as the Tardelli to your Trap, if you will…
Premier League
Kevin Doyle (QPR 1-2 Wolves)
It’s safe to say Kevin Doyle has endured a somewhat frustrating season so far. The Wexford native had a tally of just 2 goals in 22 appearances for Wolves before Saturday’s game away to QPR and, despite receiving the backing of Mick McCarthy, has lost his place in the starting lineup in recent weeks.
The 28-year-old was introduced at half-time at Loftus Road and popped up with an excellent left-footed finish past Paddy Kenny to seal a massive three points and pull Wanderers out of the relegation zone. Stephen Ward started for the visitors while Stephen Hunt was an unused sub.
James McClean (Stoke 0-1 Sunderland)
This is getting ridiculous. James McClean’s phenomenal rise continued during the weekend when he scored the only goal of the game in a snow blizzard at the Britannia Stadium. That makes it three goals and three assists in eight starts for the Black Cats winger.
There was a place in the first XI for another young Irish prospect David Meyler while John O’Shea featured at the back and Glenn Whelan, Jon Walters, Marc Wilson and Rory Delap all played for the Potters.
Robbie Keane (Newcastle United 3-1 Aston Villa)
On loan striker Robbie Keane was again on target for a Villa side which feature five Irish players but he couldn’t prevent Newcastle’s Senegalese front two Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse, who came on for Leon Best, from giving the Magpies a home win at St James’s Park.
League One
Stephen Gleeson (Huddersfield 1-1 MK Dons)
Dubliner Stephen Gleeson helped promotion hopefuls MK Dons to a point away to rivals Huddersfield. The midfielder struck a free-kick from 35 yards out with 28 minutes remaining to level things up after Jamie McCombe had scored for the Terriers.
Scottish Cup
Eoin Doyle (Hibernian 1-0 Kilmarnock)
Former Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers centre forward Eoin Doyle notched his second goal for new club Hibs to send Pat Fenlon’s side through to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup. The 23-year-old fired home with just 15 minutes gone at Easter Road, while Roy O’Donovan came off the bench to make his first appearance for the club since joining on loan from Coventry City.
Cillian Sheridan (Hearts 1-1 St Johnstone)
St Johnstone had substitute Cillian Sheridan to thank for the chance to meet Hearts again in a Scottish Cup replay. The Cavan-born target men found the back of the net on 77 minutes, having been introduced to the action at half-time. It is Sheridan’s fifth goal for Saints since arriving on a short term deal from CSKA Sofia in the summer.
