Keiron Westwood: Could barely have gone any worse. Westwood spent the entire season on the bench, as Simon Mignolet consistently impressed for Sunderland. The Belgian goalkeeper has been regularly linked with a move to a bigger club, and Westwood must be praying it happens so he gets a chance in the first team. Rating: 3/10
John O’Shea: O’Shea has had better seasons, though he’s also endured worse ones. Sunderland’s poor form ultimately meant they finished just one place above the relegation zone, and as captain, the defender must take some responsibility for this dire performance. However, he did at least play in almost every game, and it was Sunderland’s attack rather than their defence that invariably let them down. Rating 6/10
Joey O’Brien: Bafflingly overlooked more often than not by Trapattoni, O’Brien has enjoyed a fine season with West Ham, playing in nearly every game. He’s very much the forgotten man of Irish football, but they undoubtedly appreciate him at Upton Park. Rating 8/10
Marc Wilson: A long-term injury meant Wilson could only play in half of Stoke’s games, though he made the most of the limited time he had on the field, usually showing good composure on the ball and looking solid in defence. Rating 7/10
Enda Stevens: Made seven appearances for Villa, though it was only due to an injury crisis that he played, and generally found first-team action limited. Rating 5/10
Ciaran Clark: Stood up well in what was a difficult season for Villa, and was even made captain despite his young age. Injury unfortunately limited his involvement in the last few matches. Rating 7/10
Alex Pearce: Has been largely ignored by Ireland, and was frozen out by Reading following his refusal to sign a new contract, though he was impressive enough that he was being linked with a move to Liverpool at one stage. Rating 7/10
Seamus Coleman: Surely his finest season yet, Coleman was routinely excellent in both defence and attack and must surely now be one of the first names on the teamsheet when Trap picks the Irish team. Rating 9/10
Stephen Kelly: Will have been disappointed at his failure to nail down a place in the Fulham side, but has at least found first-team action easier to come by since joining Reading. Rating 6/10
Glenn Whelan: Another solid if unspectacular season from Whelan. Tony Pulis clearly trusts him, as he played in 32 of their matches, and it would have been more, were it not for a late-season injury. Rating 7/10
James McCarthy: His season was dampened by Wigan’s relegation, though he impressed nonetheless, featuring in every one of his side’s games. A move to a bigger club is surely on the horizon. Rating 8/10
Anthony Pilkington: Like Norwich in general, Pilkington’s season encompassed moments of real quality, which included scoring the winning goal against former club Man United, as well as some ordinary enough displays. He can be very happy with his contribution overall though. Rating 8/10
James McClean: A hugely disappointing season in comparison to the previous one. McClean lost his form and seemingly his confidence too, as Sunderland struggled. It’s been so bad that some are even speculating that he may move to a lower division club in the summer, though Paolo Di Canio has at least started him in most of his games as manager. Rating 5/10
Shane Long: In stark contrast with former teammate Kevin Doyle, it’s been a great campaign for Shane Long. Though he has perhaps been outshone partially by fellow strike partner Romelu Lukaku, the Tipperary native has still made a significant contribution to West Brom’s laudable 8th place finish. Rating 8/10
Jonathan Walters: Like Stoke, Walters had a hugely impressive first half of the season, followed by a less distinguished second half. He kept plugging away nonetheless though and chipped in with the odd vital goal too. Rating 7/10
Wes Hoolahan: Perhaps not quite as consistent as his most ardent supporters would suggest, but it’s been a good year overall for the playmaker right up until the last game in which he again caught the eye, with the Canaries securing an impressive victory against Man City. Rating 8/10
Noel Hunt: As ever, Hunt gave his all whenever he played for the Royals. However, two goals in 23 appearances suggests he isn’t quite up to Premier League standard. Rating 5/10
Non-Premier League based players: Robbie Keane 9/10, David Forde 8/10, Darren Randolph 8/10, Aiden McGeady 8/10, Sean St Ledger 6/10, Damien Delaney 8/10, Richard Keogh 9/10, Conor Sammon 7/10, Darren O’Dea 6/10, Paul McShane 7/10, Robbie Brady 8/10, David Meyler 8/10, Paul Green 7/10, Simon Cox 7/10, Jeff Hendrick 8/10, Anthony Stokes 7/10, Kevin Doyle 6/10, Stephen Hunt 5/10, Keith Andrews 7/10, Stephen Henderson 7/10, Andy Reid 9/10, Stephen Quinn 9/10, Paddy Kenny 8/10, Stephen Ward 6/10.
N.B. Players who are not available for selection, such as Damien Duff and Darron Gibson, were deliberately omitted from this list. Richard Dunne missed the entire season through injury and was consequently also discounted. Others such as Stephen Quinn and Andy Reid were mentioned on account of their fine seasons, irrespective of the fact that they’re nowhere near the squad at present.
