The second weekend of the Premier League saw Aaron Connolly get off the mark for the season in Brighton's win over Newcastle but was it enough to get him into our Irish Abroad Team of the Weekend?
The excellent website WhoScored.com provides ratings for every player across each of the top four divisions and beyond, based on "a unique, comprehensive statistical algorithm, calculated live during the game." Using their ratings, we've put together an XI of the best performing Irish players across the water, taking into account England's top four divisions and the Scottish Premier League.
With so many players in action, some of the positions were extremely competitive, with a host of lads in with a shout of landing the no.10 role. However, a familiar face was the standout candidate for that spot. Here's the line-up, according to WhoScored.com's player ratings:
Goalkeeper: Ian Lawlor - While Gavin Bazunu was actually the highest rated Irish player in League One at the weekend, he's pipped to the goalkeeper slot by Oldham Athletic's Ian Lawlor, who saved a penalty and still managed a 9.2 rating despite his side's 3-0 loss to Stevenage.
Right back: Paul McShane - McShane was one of 400 Irish lads playing for Rochdale against Portsmouth. He captained the side at centre back but given the competition for places on this team, he's going to a job for us on the right.
Centre back: Derrick Williams - Not only did Blackburn Rovers keep a clean sheet, Derrick Williams also found himself on the scoresheet in a 5-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers.
Centre back: Shane Duffy - No surprises here, Shane Duffy is the only player to keep his place from last weekend's team.
Left back: Joe Rafferty - Other Irish players may have grabbed the limelight at Preston North End in recent seasons but Rafferty was in impressive form in their 2-2 draw with Norwich at the weekend.
Centre midfield: Jack Taylor - Peterborough were 1-0 down after 90 minutes against Fleetwood Town before Taylor banged in an injury time equaliser and his side then grabbed a 95th minute winner. What a turnaround.
Centre midfield: Alan Browne - A solid performance from the Preston captain in their draw with Norwich City.
Right wing: Shane McLoughlin - McLoughlin was part of a crazy 4-4 draw for AFC Wimbledon against Plymouth, and he managed to get on the scoresheet in the League One thriller.
Centre attacking midfielder: Wes Hoolahan - By all reports, Wes was on a different planet in Cambridge United's 5-0 win over Morecambe. Their fans are already calling for him to be given a Ballon d'Or.
Left wing: Richie Towell - Towell may not have had much joy in Salford City's televised League Cup defeat to Everton midweek but the League Two outfit sauntered to a 4-0 win over Grimsby on Saturday. Towell got on the scoresheet, thanks to an injury time penalty.
Striker: Aaron Connolly - Connolly grabbed his starting opportunity with both hands against Newcastle, getting himself a goal in Brighton's impressive display.
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For a more in-depth analysis of how all the Irish players got on in the top four leagues of English football, check out our player ratings article here.
See Also: Irish Player Ratings: In-Depth Roundup Of Our Footballers Abroad
