There were no giant killings in last night's League Cup action, and unlike previous rounds, there were no hugely memorable performances from Irish players in last night's Round of 16 action. However, Mick McCarthy will have noted a few contributions from Irish players.
Here's a run down.
Burton Albion vs Leicester
Irish players in action: Kieran O'Hara, Stephen Quinn and John Joe O'Toole
If Darren Randolph is indeed out for the Denmark match, it looks like it'll be a Kieran vs Kieron battle for the Ireland goalkeeper's shirt. K Westwood wasn't even in the Ireland squad for the sojourn to Tblisi and Geneva, but put himself back in Mick's reckoning with savelazos like the one against Paddy Bamford and Leeds at the weekend. K O'Hara of Burton would appear to be in the driving seat, having played against Bulgaria in September.
Burton welcomed high-flying Leicester to the Pirelli Stadium last night, and O'Hara was generally outstanding in defeat. O'Hara did concede three against recently-rampant Leicester but by all accounts was very assured in keeping the tie close.
60. BRILLIANT, KIERAN O'HARA!! Albrighton finds himself in behind the defence and Kieran sees him wider to a tight angle, then saves from his shot! Albrighton's follow-up hits the side-netting.
Minute-by-minute updates 👉 https://t.co/MwMuPnVmQZ#BAFC pic.twitter.com/bEQsy1FOIO— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) October 29, 2019
Quality performance against a £100m side. Could easily of edged that one. O’Hara, O’Toole, Quinn, Boyce all class. We go again on Saturday. #bafc
— jack (@JackBAFC) October 29, 2019
John-Joe O'Toole was MOTM for many Burton fans.
So the Brewers League Cup adventure comes to end at the hands of a very good Leicester side. Albion severely punished for giving ball away twice in 1st half. Had chances after Boyces goal, but failed to take them. O'Toole outstanding & @KieranOhara_ can be very proud too. #BAFC
— Tony Bentley (@BrewersTony) October 29, 2019
Everton v Watford
Irish players in action: Seamus Coleman
These are nervy times for Seamus Coleman at Everton. He has lost his place in the starting XI to Djibril Sidibé and perhaps more importantly, lost the trust of many supporters. Coleman was given an opportunity to play his way back into the Everton team with a start against Watford last night. Everton won 2-0, but Everton's performance in the first half especially was unconvincing.
The Liverpool Echo gave Coleman a 5 last night:
Watford got a lot of joy down Everton's right flank in the opening stages of the game in particular, but a lack of cover in front of Coleman certainly didn't help him. Things improved in the second half, but you'd expect Djibril Sidibe to have that position back against Spurs.
Everton fans on Twitter weren't much kinder.
Think we can all agree that Seamus Coleman is finished
— Benj (@Benjwinst) October 29, 2019
Expect to see more Sidibé at the weekend.
Southampton vs Man City
Irish players in action: Shane Long
How do you respond to a 9-0 defeat at home? Southampton's manager Ralph Hassenhutl decided to start Shane Long on his own up front for a match against Man City. Long played 68 minutes before being subbed for Nathan Redmond. The Independent gave him a 4 in their player ratings. Long also gave Otamendi a chance to shine in defence.
George Weah's Cousins best summed up Southampton's tactics last night
Southampton playing 9 at the back, Shane Long playing the labrador chasing a pigeon role up top.
— GeorgeWeahsCousin (@WeahsCousin) October 29, 2019
It will be interesting if Long did enough to fight his way into the final squad for the Denmark match. This might have been his last chance to change Mick McCarthy's opinion on him.
