Irvine may bow out victorious

ALAN IRVINE believes Norwich could yet mount a late bid for the play-offs – but he doesn’t know if he will be around to mastermind it.

Irvine completed his initial two-match caretaker spell in charge with a home win over Barnsley and, with other results going their way, the Canaries are now just five points off the top six.

They will hope to keep up the pressure when they resume their campaign at Aston Villa in two weeks’ time, but Irvine doesn’t know if he will still be in charge then, with the club yet to decide on Alex Neil’s replacement.

“I was asked to take charge for two games and I have done that,” said Irvine, who confirmed last week that he wouldn’t be applying for the vacancy.

“If that is to be my last game in charge it was a good way to finish – and the win certainly makes it interesting, as far as the play-offs are concerned.

“Any side that puts a run together now can quickly climb the table, whether it’s at the top or the bottom, and I think this group of players has the ability to do just that.”

Irvine (below) revealed midfielder Wes Hoolahan was likely to miss out on Republic of Ireland duty after going off injured in the first half of City’s win.

“It’s a thigh strain and, hopefully, Ireland will realise it’s a genuine injury and he can stay here for treatment, although they obviously have the right to have a look at him if they want.”

Norwich were well worth their win, Possession Shots On Target Shots Off Target Blocked Shots Corners Fouls Conceded Offsides Yellow Cards Red Cards 52% 48% 9 4 6 9 1 2 4 7 15 9 2 2 1 0 0 0

even though Barnsley had their chances to make a game of it in the second half.

The Tykes reacted well to the setback of going behind on the stroke of half-time when Jacob Murphy fired home his 10th goal of the season after good work from Cameron Jerome.

But their hopes of getting something from the game were effectively snuffed out midway through the second period as keeper Adam Davies’ save from Murphy cannoned off Angus MacDonald and back into the net.

Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom cut a frustrated figure after the game.

“The take-away message from that game is to hit the target and score goals,” he said.

“You have got to be clinical in front of goal. Instead, we have given two sloppy goals away and come away with nothing.”