After a thoroughly encouraging two weeks of international football, the Irish contingent in the Premier League and English Football League have followed it up with a few more good news stories.
Going into the international break we were worried about the lack of game time some of our main players have been getting so far this season and while Jeff Hendrick didn't start for Burnley against Brighton today, he came off the bench to score a screamer and rescue a draw for his side.
90 - GOOOALLLLLLLLL!
Hendrick celebrates his 100th @premierleague appearance with a stunning equaliser, rifling home Vydra's slick assist from 25 yards. Get in! 1-1— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) September 14, 2019
That match also saw Aaron Connolly come off the bench for a second match in a row for Brighton, while Robbie Brady was also back on the bench for Burnley.
Wolves may have been beaten 5-2 by Chelsea but Matt Doherty made his injury comeback, coming on in the second half and grabbing himself an assist late on.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Shane Long was a late substitute for Southampton as they beat a Sheffield United side that had John Egan, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick in the starting line-up.
Adam Idah is also on the bench for Norwich City for this evening's late kick-off against Man City.
First involvement in a @premierleague squad for @adamidah1 👊 #ncfc pic.twitter.com/KBrWUHP30l
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) September 14, 2019
Meanwhile in the Championship a couple of Irish players shone at both ends with Seani Maguire getting another goal for Preston against Brentford, while Darren Randolph was extremely impressive in Middlesbrough's 1-0 win over Reading.
"This is Reading against Randolph. The opposition keeper has applauded Darren Randolph. He's just made two world class saves."
Matt Murray heaping praise on Ireland's no.1!— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 14, 2019
It was an great day for Blackburn Rovers' Irish contingent with Derrick Williams grabbing their opener against Millwall, latching onto a pass from Greg Cunningham, while Darragh Lenihan notched up an assist for their second goal in a 2-0 win.
Lastly, James Collins may have been on the losing side for Luton Town but he at least got himself a goal in their 3-2 defeat to QPR.
