HOGAN’S SCOTT PLATFORM TO SHINE

NEW Ireland recruit Scott Hogan faces his toughest test at Aston Villa, according to Martin O’neill. The Republic boss is delighted to get Hogan (left) on board once the paperwork on his Irish passport is completed and the 25-year-old could play some part in his plans before the end of the World Cup campaign. However after a prolific scoring streak at Brentford following his return from injury last season, the Salford-born striker has only managed one goal since signing for Villa in January.

“He hasn’t played that much, that’s his biggest concern,” said O’neill. “Outside the penalty area, I think he can improve his hold-up game. Inside the box, I think he can find the net. Now this will be a really great test. At Brentford, it was great, he was a hero.

“Now at Villa this minute, who are feeling they shouldn’t be in this division - and they shouldn’t be there’s a crowd to please every second week as well.

“If you score goals at Villa as some of the great centre forwards have done in the past, (Andy) Gray, Peter Withe have done, (great).

“If you’re a centre-forward and not scoring goals, it will be a bit of a test. So it think it’s great for his career in the next couple of years.

“But we need to try and find the net ourselves, find a regular goal scorer if that’s at all possible. It’s not easy.

“But here’s someone who might have a bit of youth on their side.”