The Republic of Ireland were back in European Championship qualifying action on Tuesday evening, and although there was a decidedly Aston Villa flavour to the team, they ended up losing 2-0 to Switzerland, in what was a pretty poor performance.
For any Villans watching on though, although Conor Hourihane’s place in the starting eleven was a notable omission by manager Mick McCarthy, fans could take closer looks once again at Enda Stevens, Glenn Whelan and James Collins. We even got to see Scott Hogan get a 20 odd minute run out – but it wasn’t a great success.
With Hourihane being a clear omission in the game, plenty of Republic fans took to social media following the teamsheet being announced to reflect on what they felt was a poor decision by McCarthy on the night, especially as they struggled to create much of note.
Glenn Whelan and James McLean start again and no hourihane ah ffs
— Dean Scully (@DeanScully1) October 15, 2019
In all fairness boys Glenn whelan isn’t the worst of them, Jeff hendrick wouldn’t get a kick in a horsebox. Conor Hourihane is our most creative midfielder no where to to be seen. And yeah Cullen should be starting even go for the draw and play him and whelan as the two holding
— Gary Lambe (@GaryLambe2) October 15, 2019
How is Hourihane not starting ffs ????????
— Jason Lee ???????????????????????? (@Lee88Jay) October 15, 2019
Loool no Hourihane
— Fake (@JACKGREALlSH) October 15, 2019
Nothing will happen for us unless robbo and hourihane get subbed on #SUIIRE
— statmandamo (@propower39) October 15, 2019
If only Byrne and Hourihane got the start instead ????
— Josh Treacy (@joshtreacy88) October 15, 2019
With such limited talent on the field why do we leave Hourihane and Doherty on bench for 90 mins. https://t.co/AYR3rfbkfS
— Denis Fitzgerald (@denisfitz) October 16, 2019
McCarthys substitutions this whole campaign have been odd, starting Browne tonight over hourihane was a terrible decision. Not one decent dead ball tonight. Not making a 3rd changes with players out on their feet, baffling #COYBIG #SWIROI
— Alan Keller (@kelleab1983) October 15, 2019
Given he seems to so easily split fans, nice to see Hourihane get some acknowledgement for what he does do well.
Having moved on over the summer and secured himself a contract with Hearts, special mention for Whelan as the 35-year-old won his 91st cap on the night, moving him joint with Niall Quinn as the eighth most-capped player for them.
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