The Republic of Ireland national team is going through a tricky spell at the moment, with the squad looking largely bereft of quality. We can no longer call upon players from some of the top clubs in England, instead looking at the lower end of the Premier League and the Championship for players who can contribute.
Clearly, most of these players are struggling to perform in an Ireland jersey at the moment, but how are they faring for their clubs? We have looked at various local news outlets throughout England to see how they rated the performances of Irish players over the weekend's matches.
Some performed admirably, while others struggled on club duty. Just as is the case for the national side, there is a serious lack of goals amongst this bunch.
Irish Players Ratings
Seamus Coleman returned to action this weekend after an injury lay-off, captaining Everton in their 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Goodison Park. The Liverpool Echo gave him a 6/10 for his performance, complimenting his attacking threat but criticising him for giving away a penalty in the 60th minute.
Jeff Hendrick started in an attacking midfield role for Burnley in their 5-0 hammering away to Manchester City on Saturday afternoon. Despite his side's torrid day at the office, the Lancashire Telegraph, rated his performance as a 7/10, mentioning that he always looked likely to create something for his side.
Shane Duffy was instrumental in Brighton's 1-0 away victory over Newcastle, and The Argus rated him at a fantastic 9/10. They mentioned his numerous headed clearances and ability in the air, something Irish fans are all too aware of.
Harry Arter gave a battling midfield performance for Cardiff City in their 4-2 win over Fulham, which was marked as an 8/10 by Wales Online. He was commended for his tireless no frills attached performance.
Matt Doherty's string of excellent performances for Wolves came to an end this weekend, when he was only given a 5.5/10 for his role in their 2-0 home defeat to Watford by the Birmingham Mail.
Shane Long came off the bench late in Southampton's 0-0 draw with Bournemouth, but he was not on the pitch long enough to be rated.
Darragh Lenihan was the only Irish goalscorer in the top three divisions of English football over the weekend, scoring the winner for Blackburn in their 2-1 victory over Leeds United. The Lancashire Telegraph gave him an 8/10, complimenting his defensive influence as well as his goalscoring contribution.
Richard Keogh put in a commendable performance for Frank Lampard's Derby County, who overcame Sheffield United on a 2-1 scoreline. The Derby Telegraph gave him a 7.5/10.
A number of Preston's Irish contingent in their 1-1 draw with Hull City, with the Lancashire Post rating their exploits. Alan Browne was the standout performer. He captained the side on the day, and was given a 7/10 for his performance, with his work-rate and brightness on the attack complimented.
Sean Maguire made his first start for the club since his return from injury, and lacked a bit of sharpness. He was forced into action due to an injury crisis at the the club, and was given a 6/10 for his performance.
Callum Robinson was unable to start the match due to illness, coming off the bench for the final 30 minutes. He was unable to turn the game in Preston's favour, with his performance being rated at a 6/10.
James McClean started for Stoke City in their 1-0 home defeat to Birmingham City, with the Stoke Sentinel saying his performance made him the obvious candidate to be the first player substituted. He did not get on much ball, and was given a 6/10 for his efforts.
Darren Randolph was in goal for Middlesbrough as they defeated Sheffield Wednesday to reclaim top spot in the Championship. He had very little to do in the game, although he showed tremendous bravery to dive in and prevent a chance for the home side late on. The Gazette gave him a 6/10.
Ronan Curtis continued his good run of form for Portsmouth, scoring an 8/10 rating from the Portsmouth News for his performance in their 1-0 victory over Fleetwood. Irish fans will be hoping to see him continue to rack up the goals, considering our lack of threat up front.
Forgotten man Aiden McGeady started for Sunderland in their 2-0 victory over Shrewsbury. The Chronicle rated his performance as a 7/10, complementing his attacking threat and his harassing of opposing defenders with the ball at his feet.
