DUNDALK BOSS STEPHEN Kenny heaped praise on Daryl Horgan after the winger’s man-of-the-match display against Derry City last night – and backed his star man’s international credentials in the process.
Horgan made two goals and was a constant menace throughout as the champions beat Derry 3-1 at Oriel Park to open up an eight-point lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity League.
Horgan’s performance comes on the back on another fine display on Tuesday against Shamrock Rovers and his showings over the course of campaign have put him firmly in the thoughts of Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill.
In naming his squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Georgia and Moldova on Friday, O’Neill admitted he would have picked the 24-year-old Dundalk player – had it not been for the Lilywhites’ hectic fixture schedule.
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The Galway-native was once again the standout performer for the Lilywhites, last night. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
Speaking after the game, Kenny said he had not been in contact with O’Neill about Horgan but was pleased that he was under Ireland consideration.
“Daryl has been brilliant. I didn’t know. Vinny Perth told me about it today. It’s good that the players are in the manager’s thoughts,” Kenny said.
“It’s good that Martin’s mentioned him. It means that he’s at the forefront of his thoughts. I’m sure he’ll monitor him in the remaining Europa League games as well. Tonight he would have seen a terrific display.”
O’Neill said during his squad announcement that Dundalk’s lengthy fixture list was the reason why in-form Horgan was omitted. Unlike the Premier League or Championship, the League of Ireland does not break up for international periods.
While Ireland play Georgia on 6 October and Moldova three days later, Dundalk host Sligo Rovers on 7 October and play Cork City at Oriel Park on four days later.
“That is a little busy period for us,” Kenny admitted.
“Sligo, Cork and Shamrock Rovers in that week. It’s a busy week.
“But certainly, it’s great. Good news. I said a couple of years ago when I took over the team, I felt that this group had players that could go on and get caps.
“Richie (Towell) was one of them at the time. I always felt that there was a good few more.
“A lot of people said that it seemed far-fetched to say it at the time, but I think I’ve shown that I was quite accurate in what I was saying. Some of them are doing really well.”
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'It’s good that the players are in the manager’s thoughts' - Kenny backs Horgan for Ireland
DUNDALK BOSS STEPHEN Kenny heaped praise on Daryl Horgan after the winger’s man-of-the-match display against Derry City last night – and backed his star man’s international credentials in the process.
Horgan made two goals and was a constant menace throughout as the champions beat Derry 3-1 at Oriel Park to open up an eight-point lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity League.
Horgan’s performance comes on the back on another fine display on Tuesday against Shamrock Rovers and his showings over the course of campaign have put him firmly in the thoughts of Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill.
In naming his squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Georgia and Moldova on Friday, O’Neill admitted he would have picked the 24-year-old Dundalk player – had it not been for the Lilywhites’ hectic fixture schedule.
Speaking after the game, Kenny said he had not been in contact with O’Neill about Horgan but was pleased that he was under Ireland consideration.
“Daryl has been brilliant. I didn’t know. Vinny Perth told me about it today. It’s good that the players are in the manager’s thoughts,” Kenny said.
“It’s good that Martin’s mentioned him. It means that he’s at the forefront of his thoughts. I’m sure he’ll monitor him in the remaining Europa League games as well. Tonight he would have seen a terrific display.”
O’Neill said during his squad announcement that Dundalk’s lengthy fixture list was the reason why in-form Horgan was omitted. Unlike the Premier League or Championship, the League of Ireland does not break up for international periods.
While Ireland play Georgia on 6 October and Moldova three days later, Dundalk host Sligo Rovers on 7 October and play Cork City at Oriel Park on four days later.
“That is a little busy period for us,” Kenny admitted.
“Sligo, Cork and Shamrock Rovers in that week. It’s a busy week.
“But certainly, it’s great. Good news. I said a couple of years ago when I took over the team, I felt that this group had players that could go on and get caps.
“Richie (Towell) was one of them at the time. I always felt that there was a good few more.
“A lot of people said that it seemed far-fetched to say it at the time, but I think I’ve shown that I was quite accurate in what I was saying. Some of them are doing really well.”
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