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David Meyler. Jon Buckle/EMPICS Sport
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Irish Eye: How did the Boys in Green fare over the New Year fixtures?

John O’Shea experienced both the good and the bad, while David Meyler continued his impressive form at Hull.

December 29th

Premier League

John O’Shea (Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham)

After O’Shea scored his first Premier League goal in over three years, he was forced off after 68 minutes with a hamstring injury that looks like ruling him out of the February friendly with Poland. The early word is that the former Manchester United defender will be missing for three to six weeks.

Anthony Pilkington (Norwich 3-4 Manchester City)

The 24-year-old winger is expected to play in that match against Poland, as Trap looks to copperfasten his commitment to the Irish cause. He was on form in the Christmas fixture against the champions, scoring his fourth goal of the season, but was unable to stop his side losing by the odd goal in seven.

Championship:

David Meyler (Hull City 2-0 Leeds United)

Meyler has been so impressive during his loan spell at the KC Stadium that there’s been talk of a permanent move from Sunderland. The Corkman scored against Leeds United. Meanwhile, Tigers boss Steve Bruce is also looking to extend the loan of young midfielder Robbie Brady from Manchester United.

Keith Andrews (Bolton Wanderers 3-1 Birmingham City)

Following on from a man of the match display against Peterborough United, the 32-year-old Irish midfielder put the gloss on a win over Birmingham City with a late penalty.

Andy Reid (Nottingham Forest 2-2 Crystal Palace)

The former Ireland midfielder scored the first goal of Alex McLeish’s reign at the City Ground, equalising in first half stoppage time with a fizzing 25-yard effort that flew past Palace ‘keeper Julian Speroni.

January 1st:

Premier League:

Joey O’Brien (West Ham 2-1 Norwich City)

The 26-year-old former Bolton full-back has become more and more crucial to the Hammers cause as the season has gone on, and he scored the Hammers’ second in a crucial win over Norwich. Mark Noble cross from the by-line was cut out by Sebastian Bassong, but the Dubliner was on hand to crash home the rebound for his second goal of the season.


Championship:

Joe Mason (Birmingham 0-1 Cardiff City)

The 21-year-old scored the winner for high-flying Cardiff as they heaped more misery on Birmingham City at St Andrew’s. Mason tapped in from close range after Jack Butland had saved from Craig Conway.

Conor Sammon (Derby 3-1 Middlesbrough)

Neat work from the much sought after Will Hughes in the area set up Michael Jacobs, whose low effort was parried by Luke Steele before Sammon gleefully smashed home the rebound. Derby are currently tenth in the Championship, just three poìnts from the play-off places.

Keith Treacy (Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Burnley)

The ex-Preston winger is trying to make the most of his second chance at Burnley. Having fallen out of favour under former manager Eddie Howe, Treacy was brought back into the fold by Sean Dyche and scored the opening goal against Sheffield Wednesday, where he had previously spent time on loan, on New Year’s Day.

Gary Hooper scores late winner for Celtic >

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