With the first set of Euro 2020 Qualifiers less than a month away, the Ireland squad is set to feature a number of in-form players. Our Sheffield United contingent continues to perform, while Sean Maguire has joined club mate Alan Browne in putting forward some excellent displays.
It was not such an encouraging weekend for Michael Obafemi, who limped off after only 20 minutes on his return from injury.
Irish Player Ratings
Harry Arter played the full 90 minutes for Cardiff in their 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Watford. Wales Online rated him at 5/10, which was an average score on a poor day for the Welsh side.
Jeff Hendrick played out wide once again for Burnley in their surprise 2-1 win at home to Spurs. The Burnley Express rated him at 8/10 on 'another good afternoon' for the player, with the midfielder putting together a strong run of form as of late. Robbie Brady came on as a late substitute.
Wolves scared a late 1-1 draw at Watford on Saturday afternoon, with Matt Doherty instrumental once again. The Irishman won the penalty that levelled the game for his side, with the Express & Star rewarding him with a 7/10 for his efforts.
Michael Obafemi made his long awaited return from injury on Sunday, coming on as a half time substitute for Southampton in their 2-0 loss at Arsenal. Unfortunately things did not go to plan for the youngster, who had to be withdrawn due to injury only 20 minutes later.
It was yet another hamstring problem for the player, and Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl says it is a big blow for his side:
It's a disaster for us, Nathan Redmond is the only player who really scores for the moment and if he has Danny Ings or Michael Obafemi it's not easy to defend against, but it's concentrating on him and that's why we made the changes at half-time. It's difficult now.
Sean Maguire was amongst the goals once again at the weekend, scoring in Preston's 3-1 win at Millwall. The Lancashire Evening Post gave him an 8/10, and were very impressed with his showing up front.
📽️ @Seani_Maguire_ scored his second goal in three games as he latched on to a stunning pass from @Gally_7 to complete the scoring at The Den! 👌
Watch the highlights on iFollow PNE soon ➡️ https://t.co/TrIjTrEoIW #pnefc pic.twitter.com/N9mDVZd7wx— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) February 24, 2019
Ahead of the international break, Maguire is hitting form at the right time. He could make a major impact during the Euro 2020 Qualifying campaign, being equally comfortable in a central position or out wide. Alan Browne also started for Preston, and put in a solid showing a 7/10 effort.
Shaun Williams played in that match for Millwall, with Football.London saying he was 'massively off the pace' in a 4/10 display.
Alan Judge continued his decent run of form, starting in an attacking midfield role for Ipswich in their draw with Wigan. The East Anglian Daily Times gave him a 6/10, saying he had major influence on the team and 'looked dangerous throughout'.
Darren Randolph kept yet another clean sheet for Middlesbrough in their 2-0 win over QPR, his 15th of the season. The Teesside Gazette were impressed with his performance, giving him an 8/10.
Rotherham got an important point away at Reading, with Richie Towell starting the game.
Callum O'Dowda scored a goal of the season contender for Bristol City in their unfortunate 3-2 loss at league leaders Norwich City. The Bristol Post gave him an 8/10, saying his wonderful goal 'showed why the Robins must get the Irishman signed up on a new long-term deal pronto.'
👌⚽️ Great run, amazing skill to beat two men on the edge of the box and a finish to match!
👏 Take a bow Callum O'Dowda! @BristolCity @CallumODowda #BristolCtiy pic.twitter.com/IIw1zDiNYg— Sporting Life 🎯🔴🎾⛳️🥊🏏🏉 🏈 (@SportingLifeFC) February 24, 2019
James McClean started on the left in Stoke's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, with the Stoke Sentinel giving him an 8/10 for his efforts. Conor Hourihane was playing in the centre of the park for Villa, with the Birmingham Mail saying he 'worked hard to make a difference' (6/10).
Sheffield United continued their automatic promotion hunt with a 1-0 win at West Brom, with three Irish players starting. John Egan performed excellently once again, before unfortunately being withdrawn at half time due to a tight hamstring. The Star still deemed him worthy of an 8/10 rating, however.
Even more encouraging was the display from Enda Stevens, who again deputised in the Blades' three man defence. The Star had this to say about his showing (9/10):
Looked like hes played at left centre half all his career and was more than comfortable there once again, nicking the ball away in dangerous situations a few times.
David McGoldrick was also given 8/10, in what was a match that would have greatly pleased Mick McCarthy.
