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Wigan Athletic's Emmerson Boyce (left) and Norwich City's Anthony Pilkington battle for the ball. Chris Radburn/PA Wire/Press Association Images
Round-Up

Irish Eye: Norwich players continue to stake claim for place in national team

It was also a good weekend for Hull’s Irish contingent, with David Meyler getting on the scoresheet.

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, Scotland and further afield.

Think of us as the Tardelli to your Trap, if you will…

Premier League

Wes Hoolahan, Mark Bunn and Anthony Pilkington (Norwich 2-1 Wigan)

Anthony Pilkington celebrated recent confirmation that he would be making himself available to play for the Ireland side, by playing an integral role in Norwich’s defeat of Wigan at the weekend. Pilkington scored the first goal, before setting up another Irish player, Wes Hoolahan, for the second. And Mark Bunn, who is also eligible for Ireland, did well once more between the sticks for the hosts. In addition, James McCarthy was also in the news, albeit for less positive reasons. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez accused Norwich of deliberately targeting McCarthy in order to curb his threat. McCarthy consequently had to go off injured after a rough Bradley Johnson tackle on the player.

Ciaran Clark (Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa)

Ciaran Clark produced another encouraging display, as Aston Villa secured a surprise win over Liverpool. However, Shay Given was once again left on the bench, while Enda Stevens and Richard Dunne remain out injured.

Shane Long (West Brom 0-0 West Ham)

The Irish striker could not light up a drab game, failing to make enough of an impact to stretch West Brom unduly, and subsequently being substituted after 83 minutes. Meanwhile, for West Ham, Joey O’Brien gave another solid performance.

Several (Stoke City 1-1 Everton)

There was a sizable Irish contingent at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday. Seamus Coleman, Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan and Jon Walters all played the full 90 minutes, while Shane Duffy was an unused sub.

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Championship

David Meyler, Stephen Quinn and Robbie Brady (Hull 2-0 Huddersfield)

The on-loan Sunderland midfielder scored a last-minute goal, as Hull beat Huddersfield, keeping up with the chasing pack at the top of the Championship in the process. Another on-loan Irish player, Man United’s Robbie Brady, played 81 minutes, while Stephen Quinn also featured and Paul McShane missed the game through injury.

Paul Green (Leeds 2-0 Ipswich)

The much-maligned Irish midfielder got on the scoresheet, as Leeds secured a win over Championship strugglers Ipswich. The latter side are, of course, managed by Mick McCarthy, and they had enjoyed a decent run under the ex-Wolves boss before the weekend, winning five of their last eight games since he took over. Daryl Murphy also featured for the visitors, but was replaced on 73 minutes, following an ineffectual display.

Scottish Premier League

Eoin Doyle and Alan Maybury (Hibernian 2-3 Motherwell)

A brace from the ex-Shamrock Rovers player, Eoin Doyle, could not prevent Pat Fenlon’s side from suffering a disappointing loss at home to Motherwell, while veteran defender Alan Maybury also played the full 90 minutes for the hosts. Darren Randolph, meanwhile, started in goal for the visitors. The defeat leaves Hibs fourth in the league, seven points behind leaders Celtic.

What other Irish players warrant attention for their performances at the weekend? Let us know in the comments section below.

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