EVERY MONDAY, WE scan the passports, check the family trees and cross-reference with the “granny rule” to keep you informed about the ups and downs of all the Irish (and Irish-eligible) footballers in England and Scotland. Think of us as the Tardelli to your Trap, if you will…

Premier League

Robbie Keane (Wolves 2-3 Aston Villa)

Ireland’s record goalscorer could hardly have asked for a better day on his first start for Villa. The on-loan striker capped a visit to the club where he started his professional career with two superb goals to give Alex McLeish’s side the three points.

Shay Given, Richard Dunne and Ciaran Clark all played alongside Keane while Kevin Foley and Stephen Ward were on the losing side of the midlands derby and Kevin Doyle was an unused substitute.

Shane Duffy (Everton 1-1 Blackburn Rovers)

Letterkenny native Duffy made his home debut for the Toffees in their 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park and earned man-of-the-match from manager David Moyes. The defender was recalled from a loan spell at Scunthorpe United earlier this month and featured in the same side as new signing Darron Gibson.

Damien Duff (Fulham 5-2 Newcastle United)

Another player to put in a terrific performance against his former employers. The 32-year-old winger was a constant threat for the Cottagers throughout and won their first penalty when he was shoved over by Davide Santon. Stephen Kelly also played 90 minutes at full-back.

James McCarthy (QPR 3-1 Wigan Athletic)

Midfielder McCarthy gave away a penalty by handling inside the area during the 3-1 defeat to QPR at Loftus Road, meaning Roberto Martinez’s side remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. Former Derry City and UCD striker Conor Sammon was a half-time substitute for the Latics and Paddy Kenny was between the sticks for the Rs.

Glenn Whelan (Stoke 1-2 West Brom)

Whelan, Jon Walters and Rory Delap were all on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline at the Brittannia Stadium as a West Brom side with Simon Cox and Shane Long, who came off the bench after 83 minutes, picked up a much-needed three points.

John O’Shea (Sunderland 2-0 Swansea)

Sunderland’s revival under Martin O’Neill continued as they moved up to tenth in the league after a 2-0 win over Swansea. O’Shea had a solid performance at the back while winger James McClean was involved in the build-up to Stephane Sessegnon’s opener.

Npower Championship

Robbie Brady (Reading 0-1 Hull City)

Ireland U21 international Brady continued his good form during his loan spell from Manchester United by scoring the only goal of the game as the Tigers, who are in the play-off places, saw off Reading.

Owen Garvan (Blackpool 2-1 Crystal Palace)

Garvan’s 27th-minute penalty wasn’t enough to prevent Palace from going down 2-1 to Blackpool ahead of their Carling Cup semi-final second leg on Tuesday night.

Check out Robbie’s winner from Saturday:

YouTube credit: harryjohu

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