Having played a major part in Aston Villa's return to the Premier League over the last couple of years, Conor Hourihane found himself on the outside looking in during this campaign.
The Irishman featured in only four of the club's league fixtures this season, with his last appearance coming in November. It was clear he needed more football in the coming months and his loan move to Championship club Swansea should provide exactly that.
The Cork man made his debut for the club in yesterday's FA Cup tie with Nottingham Forest, helping the side to a 5-1 victory. Hourihane started in an advanced midfield role, putting in an excellent performance.
Speaking after the game, Swansea boss Steve Cooper said he was already delighted with the impact the 29-year old has made.
I thought he was excellent. He's been so impressive from the day he's come through the door, which wasn't that long ago.
But you can see that he's a real focused professional, an individual that's not only going to bring what he possesses, but he really wants to buy into what we're doing as well, and that's always the best way to be.
I thought his composure and quality on the ball is what we want it to be. If that's the start if things to come then happy days.
Hourihane will be hoping to see plenty of playing time in the coming weeks, with Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign quickly approaching.
The midfielder has featured in all but one game during Stephen Kenny's tenure up to this point and is likely to play a sizeable role in Ireland's quest to make the Qatar finals.
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