It was a quiet enough week for out internationals, with Aaron Connolly's impact against Newcastle the pick of the bunch. The 19-year old put in a cracking performance off the bench, and must now be considered a real option for Mick McCarthy next month.
Elsewhere, John Egan was man-of-the-match in Sheffield United's win over Everton, while Sean Maguire continued his goalscoring run.
Here's the ratings in full.
Irish Player Ratings
Jeff Hendrick made a return to the Burnley team after his goalscoring heroics against Brighton. He played over 90 minutes, putting in a decent shift to get a 6/10 from Lancs Live. Robbie Brady replaced Hendrick in stoppage time upon his return from injury.
John Egan, Enda Stevens, and Callum Robinson all started for Sheffield United in their impressive 2-0 win at Everton. Egan was the best player on the pitch, earning a 9/10 rating from the Sheffield Star:
A rock all afternoon, keeping Everton’s lively forwards at bay and denied Kean with a superb block later in the game.
Stevens was also impressive, getting an 8/10, while Callum Robinson was given a 6/10.
Worryingly for Ireland supporters, David McGoldrick was ruled out of that one due to injury. He is now considered a doubt for Ireland's Eur0 2020 qualifiers against Georgia and Switzerland next month.
Seamus Coleman started that game for the home side and had a bit of a nightmare. He was given a 4/10 by the Liverpool Echo after being replaced by Theo Walcott in the second half. Here's a video of Coleman getting nutmegged by his international team mate Enda Stevens.
Another one to add to the folder...
🔥 @Estevens1990 🔥 pic.twitter.com/knAu0lpax2— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 23, 2019
While Shane Duffy once again found himself out of the Brighton team, Aaron Connolly had a big impact in the 0-0 draw at Newcastle. He played incredibly well after coming on for the last 20 minutes, and came agonisingly close to scoring his first Premier League goal.
This is how close Aaron Connolly came to bagging his first Premier League goal 🙈pic.twitter.com/B4JgASj17M
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 21, 2019
Operating from the left flank, he seems to possess all of the trickery, pace and attacking intent that is currently lacking out wide in the Ireland team. He has to be an option for the games against Georgia and Switzerland next month.
While he only played 57 minutes, Matt Doherty put in his 'best offensive performance in the Premier League this season' in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace according to the Birmingham Mail, who gave him a 6.5/10. However, he was guilty of squandering a couple of excellent goalscoring opportunities.
Conor Hourihane played the final five minutes as Aston Villa blew a golden opportunity at Arsenal.
In the Championship, Richard Keogh captained Derby in their last gasp 1-1 draw with Leeds United, getting a 6/10 from the Derby Telegraph. Jason Knight came off the bench for Derby in that one.
Greg Cunningham, Derrick Williams and Darragh Lenihan all started for Blackburn in their 2-1 at Reading.
James McClean played in a left wing back role for Stoke as they drew 0-0 at Brentford, getting a 6/10 from the Stoke Sentinel who mentioned his lack of attacking threat.
Luton Town fell to a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home to Hull City, with James Collins getting few scoring opportunities on a 6/10 display according to Luton Today.
An own goal in the second minute condemned Middlesbrough to a 1-0 defeat at Cardiff City, with Darren Randolph pulling off a couple of big saves to keep them in the contest. He was rated at 6/10 by the Teeside Gazette.
Callum O'Dowda started for Bristol City in their 0-0 draw at home to Swansea, getting a 7/10 from the Bristol Post.
Jayson Molumby started for Millwall in their 2-1 defeat at home to QPR, with Ryan Manning starting at left back for the visitors. Manning performed well, getting a 7/10 from West London Sport.
Josh Cullen continued his run in the Charlton midfield as they lost 2-0 at Wigan.
Sean Maguire continued his recent goalscoring form, netting the winner in Preston's 1-0 victory at Birmingham City.
📽️ @Seani_Maguire_ was our match-winner yesterday with his third goal of the season securing the three points for North End against Birmingham City! 🙌
Watch the highlights on iFollow PNE ➡️ https://t.co/Hm8G8I8xPU #pnefc pic.twitter.com/So54Nxosr5— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) September 22, 2019
With David McGoldrick an injury doubt, Maguire could be in line for a big role for Ireland next month.
After a short injury layoff, Harry Arter came off the bench for Fulham in their 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday.
