IRELAND INTERNATIONAL ANTHONY Pilkington was intrumental in Cardiff City’s 4-1 win over Brighton in the Championship today.

The 27-year-old winger scored an early goal and put in a man-of-the-match performance as the Bluebirds got the better of their fellow promotion hopefuls.

Pilkington last played for Ireland when he scored a beautifully-worked goal in the 4-1 friendly win over the US in November 2014, and, with just four months to go until the Euro 2016 finals, the odds are stacked against him making the flight to France.

However, more displays like this one could catch the eye of Martin O’Neill ahead of friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia next month.

For the Seagulls, Richie Towell was once again left out of the matchday squad by manager Chris Hughton. The ex-Dundalk midfielder hasn’t featured for his new club since his debut at the beginning of January.

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