CONOR HOURIHANE HAS emphasised the value of Ireland and Aston Villa team-mate Glenn Whelan ahead of the Boys in Green’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Serbia.
Whelan tends to divide opinion among Ireland fans and pundits, with RTÉ analyst Eamon Dunphy among the player’s most vocal critics.
However, Hourihane is adamant that the 33-year-old offers plenty to both Ireland and Villa, admitting that he has only fully appreciated the veteran star’s importance since he started playing alongside Whelan in midfield on a regular basis at club level this season.
“Glenn doesn’t get the credit he deserves,” Hourihane told reporters at a press conference on Monday.
You don’t play in the Premier League for 10 years, or get 81 caps for Ireland, without being a very good player.
“He sits in there, does the dog work for lads like myself, and goes under the radar. He’s a great team player. You don’t realise that until you play with him.
He’s a great lad as well, he’s fitted in at Villa very well.
“Over the last few weeks, I’ve been getting a bit of joy from it. So Glenn bringing that bit of stability has been good for myself personally.”
With a recent hat-trick against Norwich to his name, Hourihane comes into camp in good form. Nonetheless, the Bandon-born former Sunderland player won’t be getting carried away with some crucial games for his country on the horizon.
“I’m just going to train well over the next few days, try to grab the opportunity with both hands, showcase myself and take every day as it comes,” the Cork native said, when asked about his chances of being involved in some capacity against Georgia and Serbia.
The 26-year-old midfielder also revealed he had spoken to Villa team-mate Scott Hogan about the Salford native’s recent decision to declare for Ireland.
Scott mentioned (the prospect of him playing for Ireland) to me. We’ve had a chat about it now and again. As far as I know, he has declared. He’s looking forward to playing for the country. He wants to play for the country and he’ll be a great player to have.
“Scott scores goals and he’ll definitely be trying to get into the squad whenever he can (Hogan is understood to be in the process of applying for an Irish passport).
He was just asking generally about the camp, the lads and the set-up. He’s obviously interested to see what it’s like. He’ll probably find his feet eventually when he does get into a squad and I’ll be there to help him along.”
Not many people will be expecting Hourihane, who so far has two Ireland caps under his belt, to start either of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
However, Martin O’Neill is not averse to springing a surprise, as he showed by handing a competitive debut to Kevin Long in Ireland’s last qualifier against Austria, and Hourihane insists he will be ready if given the nod.
There’s great pressure at a club like Villa to be in the Premier League and to get promoted from the Championship. That’s the aim for the club this year without a doubt.
“I feel like I’m playing well and if I can handle that pressure at Villa, I’m sure I can handle it here (with Ireland) as well.”
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:
Very lazy choice for coach of the year Hansens a good coach but Schmidt was magnificent
Ya your dead right! Never mind the blacks breaking the world record of any team for consecutive wins throw in southern nations championship win and where they are now…. Very lazy choice!
Subjective awards are meaningless anyway.
@phillipryan did the AB not just equal the record cause they drew 12-12 with oz when they lookin to break it?
Don’t loose too much sleep he was never going to get it
If he goes though the 6 nations and the world cup the way he has gone through the last 3 games he’ll get it next year .
Should do! His all round performances have been superb and and his place kicking has improved quite a lot. If he keeps this form coming into the six nations and world cup then he is surely in with a shout.
Fancy that. A man from New Zealand named player of the year. A Cinderella story, if ever there was one.
Nothing worth getting upset over.
If sexton was from the south he would of won. Irb prefer to award anyone who plays down south
He wouldn’t have been my winner! Savea or Le Roux would have gotten it off me
Never heard of him
John if you’ve never heard of Retallick you obviously don’t know or watch the fantastic game that is Rugby Union. Well deserved. Maybe watch a game or two and you might be qualified to comment then champ.
It may be a long shot, but if Murray keeps up his form, I’d stick a few quid on him for next year.
If an ape coached NZ they’d still win, and the ape would get coach of the year. Although that’s more or less what’s currently happening. They’re about to be toppled in the next year, far to many close games and a shambles at fly half to maintain their supremacy going forward.
No disrespect to apes meant by the way, I just don’t think they’re coaching material. Although I’m sure they’d make a monkey out of me.
Apparently Joe isn’t even the radar in New Zealand….. Maybe we should be thankful the sign him up to a 10 year contract.
Shame on them if they’re not considering him!
I’m not being bitter but I find it very hard that southern and northern players are put in same category cus lets be honest they hardly play each other and its very mindset in both spheres probably fair if they spit them (exulting Rwc years)
Wouldn’t say bod would have been overly impressed if he did get it!
Hard luck Johnny