Hourihane’s Villa form bodes well for Ireland

AS the transition in the Ireland team begins with a friendly in Turkey on Friday fortnight, Conor Hourihane (below) is making a strong case to be part of the overhaul.

Another stellar display in Saturday’s 4-1 thumping of leaders Wolves – the third straight victory for promotion-chasers Aston Villa – makes the Corkman a viable option for one of the midfield berths in Martin O’Neill’s new-look side. At 27, and with just three caps to his name, Hourihane has plenty of ground to make up but, having worked his way back to the big time up from the lower levels, he’s likely to appreciate the audition presented in Antalya.