Ireland fans got another glimpse of Andrew Moran last night, as the midfielder started for Blackburn Rovers in an entertaining FA Cup tie against Newcastle United.
Billed as the "Alan Shearer derby," the England legend was in studio alongside Gary Lineker and Micah Richards for a game that went the distance, with Newcastle eventually winning 4-3 on penalties.
Three months after making his senior Ireland debut as a late sub against New Zealand, Moran was in the spotlight again in front of what would have been a significant TV audience on Tuesday night.
Andrew Moran impresses against Newcastle
Coming up against a strong Newcastle side that competed in the Champions League this season, Moran didn't look out of place at all. The 20-year-old was composed in possession and showed his passing abilities, helping to progress Blackburn's counter-attacking while linking up well with his teammates.
During the half-time analysis, Richards praised Moran for how he won the ball in the middle of the park before driving forward and laying the ball off to Tyrhys Dolan, whose shot was saved by Martin Dubravka.
Much of the pre-match talk centred around the Ireland-eligible Samuel Szmodics, who is currently top scorer in the Championship, and the hype was justified, after he fired in a 79th-minute equaliser to force extra-time.
Unfortunately for Szmodics, his miss in the shootout proved costly as Newcastle eventually advanced to the quarter-final.
Who else but @SamSzmodics? 🤷
These celebrations from @Rovers' are special 🎉#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/zgT1iojrL0— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 27, 2024
Viewers impressed with Moran and Szmodics
Viewers were hugely impressed with both Szmodics and Moran though, as they were voted as the two best Blackburn players on the night on the BBC website, with the Szmodics averaging 7.95 out of 10 and Moran averaging 7.92.
The Lancashire Telegraph also heaped praise on the youngster, giving him a rating of eight out of 10, while adding: "Played in a deeper midfield role and he wasn't afraid to get on the ball. His best display for a while."
Andrew Moran… what a talent.
Balling out against Newcastle this evening. Composure and assuredness on the ball is superb.
Created two chances through excellent reading of the game and driving through Newcastle’s midfield. #ROVvNEW #FACup— #AnthonyScouts🕵🏾♂️ (@antzhumbleent) February 27, 2024
Brighton have another gem lurking in the loan system with this Andrew Moran kid
— ❄ (@XavThe7th) February 27, 2024
In the early part of the season, there was a lot of talk about Moran dominating games for Blackburn in the Championship, but his minutes have been reduced in recent months.
After showing he can mix with with a top half Premier League team, Brighton and other potential top flight suitors are sure to have taken note.
See Also: Report: Staff Turned Down Crazy Request From Man United Players After Fulham Humbling
