With the Republic of Ireland's crunch qualifiers only around the corner, we have had a look at the Irish players plying their trade in England at the weekend who may well put themselves in Martin O'Neill's thoughts for the games against Georgia and Serbia
Martin O' Neill named a 39-man provincial squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers next month and the big news from the announcement was that Preston striker Sean Maguire was called up to the squad.
BREAKING: Martin O'Neill has announced his provisional squad to face Georgia and Serbia with a first call-up for Sean Maguire! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/wBd5tDP2q3
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) August 14, 2017
Below is our top 10 Irish players from last weekend
#1 Aiden McGeady
The winger was in fantastic form for Preston last season, so good that Sunderland manager Simon Grayson snapped him up when he left Preston to become the manager at the Stadium of Light
McGeady put Sunderland 2-0 up in a 3-1 victory, with a wonderful left footed strike from outside the box.
If he can keep up this form, it will be hard for O'Neill to leave him out.
McGeady was the star of the show the last time Ireland travelled to Tblisi when they won 2-1 and he scored both of the goals.
#2 Stephen Ward
The left back had a game to remember against Chelsea at the weekend as he smashed home a venomous shot on the half volley from a tight angle to put Burnley 2-0 up against the champions.
Ward signed a new two year deal with the Clarets today and is now one of the first players on Sean Dyche's team sheet.
A goal and a new contract could be the right tonic leading into the qualifiers next month.
Frame-By-Frame: Stephen Ward Scores Incredible Early Goal Of The Season Contender
#3 Robbie Brady
Ireland's number 10 played his part in Burnley's famous win at Stamford Bridge and he more than held his own against the Blues when he got into a tussle with David Luiz.
This was one of Brady's best performances in a Burnley shirt having struggled with form and nailing down a place in the side.
He was very unfortunate not to get a goal himself whe his low curled effort from a free kick beat everyone but the post.
24 - Robbie Brady is heavily involved and from Matt Lowton's low cross, Vokes swivels to find the bottom corner. 1-0
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) August 12, 2017
#4 Liam Kelly
The Reading midfielder was called up by Martin O' Neill today and with good reason, with three goals in three games, one of which was the only goal for his side at the weekend as Reading drew 1-1 against Fulham.
If he continues with his form, he will be most definitely competing for a place in the starting XI.
Check out his goal against Fulham below:
#5 Daryl Murphy
The 34-year-old striker has become a perennial Championship striker after being let go by Rafa Benitez and Newcastle this summer and signing for Nottingham Forest.
Murphy makes it at number five on our list with a goal on his debut, although it wasn't spectacular, it was a crucial one as Forest beat Brentford away from home 4-3.
Watch Daryl Murphy's goal below:
#6 Eunan O'Kane
He has been regularly called upon by Martin O'Neill without ever featuring in the team but he has signed a new four year deal with Leeds last week and is now one of their most experienced players.
The Yorkshire Evening Post rated his performance at the weekend,
Eunan O’Kane - Bested by the likes of Johnson and Browne, and Pearson’s dismissal was a big bonus from the right time. Dictated play after that. 6/10
Runs the show!
— Dre (@DreSays91) August 11, 2017
#7 David McGoldrick
The Ipswich striker didn't start at the weekend but was called upon as half time substitute by Mick McCarthy as they were 1-0 down to Barnsley, and he made an immediate impact with a wonderful left footed volley to level things up
Ipswich went on to win the game 2-1 and have taken maximum points in the first two games of the season.
Watch McGoldrick's beautiful finish below:
#8 John Egan
The 24-year-old defender was signed by Brentford last year from Gillingham and has been a permanent fixture in their side ever since.
He was given his Irish debut in Ireland's defeat to Mexico in June and was called up to the latest Irish squad.
Egan scored for Brentford but unfortunately for him and his teammates, they went down 4-3 to Daryl Murphy's Forest.
#9 Greg Cunningham
Although his side did not win at the weekend, Cunningham has long been considered one of the best left backs in the Championship in the last couple of years and he even had a goal chalked off against Leeds for offside.
Cunningham has been rewarded with his good form for Preston, as he was called up to the Ireland squad for next months qualifiers.
About time! Best left-back in the Champoinship - good luck n congrats Greg!
— janet battersby (@JanetJimbatts) August 14, 2017
Without a doubt best left full in @SkyBetChamp ask @LUFC how many lads did they change on the right wing on Saturday all in his pocket!
— Mervue United A.F.C. (@MervueUnitedAFC) August 14, 2017
#10 Ryan Manning
Although Manning was only used as a late substitute by Ian Holloway in Queen's Park Rangers' 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, but his performances from last season make him scrape into our list in 10th place.
The midfielder signed a new one-year contract extension last month because of the form he showed last season.
Manning made 18 appearances and scored one goal in the 2016/2017 campaign.
No encouragement for Ryan Manning @QPRFC #Galwayboy
— Paulad (@paulad687) August 14, 2017
