Conor Hourihane

Played well today. He's always been good for goals and assists, but his general involvement in games has been much better the last 7/8 times I've watched him. He really seems to be imposing himself more and looking to move the ball around rather than just get involved high up the pitch. He's an important player for them, as illustrated by the fact he has more goals and assists than McGinn and Grealish despite playing in a deeper position than them, which is very impressive when you think about it.

BrendanD88 wrote: pre Madonna wrote: BrendanD88 wrote: Maccatacca wrote: BrendanD88 wrote: If Whelan starts against Denmark we are in serious trouble. Who do you suggest we play instead of him that is currently in the squad? This is the list of midfielders named for the two upcoming games.  Alan Browne is injured.  Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic*), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth). We need at least a draw from this game and to me it appears that from that list of players we have to play Whelan in front of the back four, with Hendrick and Hourihane playing a bit further forward.  Aye sure Whelan played well in that role in the first leg against WBA, no coincidence that he didn’t play a single minute in their next two games.  He obviously had a nightmare for West Brom's goal, but he was excellent for the rest of that game. He wasn't picked in the next two for tactical reasons, they went gung-ho, but he should have been brought in for the last twenty today. Derby's lack of composure cost them in the end. They had plenty chances, they just needed a cool head. Jedinak would have been a better option to bring on especially as he is a more commanding figure. I think you are exaggerating when you mention Derby had plenty of chances, they really didn’t. Anyway I wouldn’t hold out much hope of Whelan getting anywhere close to Eriksen. Here’s hoping he picks up an injury before the match.

pre Madonna wrote: BrendanD88 wrote: Maccatacca wrote: BrendanD88 wrote: If Whelan starts against Denmark we are in serious trouble. Who do you suggest we play instead of him that is currently in the squad? This is the list of midfielders named for the two upcoming games.  Alan Browne is injured.  Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic*), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth). We need at least a draw from this game and to me it appears that from that list of players we have to play Whelan in front of the back four, with Hendrick and Hourihane playing a bit further forward.  Aye sure Whelan played well in that role in the first leg against WBA, no coincidence that he didn’t play a single minute in their next two games.  He obviously had a nightmare for West Brom's goal, but he was excellent for the rest of that game. He wasn't picked in the next two for tactical reasons, they went gung-ho, but he should have been brought in for the last twenty today. Derby's lack of composure cost them in the end. They had plenty chances, they just needed a cool head.

Thanks a lot Declan Rice. 

Maccatacca wrote: BrendanD88 wrote: If Whelan starts against Denmark we are in serious trouble. Who do you suggest we play instead of him that is currently in the squad? This is the list of midfielders named for the two upcoming games.  Alan Browne is injured.  Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic*), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth). We need at least a draw from this game and to me it appears that from that list of players we have to play Whelan in front of the back four, with Hendrick and Hourihane playing a bit further forward.

pre Madonna wrote: BrendanD88 wrote: Banjaxed wrote: BrendanD88 wrote: If Whelan starts against Denmark we are in serious trouble. well it's only him or Josh Cullen. Or we can play Hourihane there, worked well for Villa today. I think we would be f**king murdered if we start Hourihane there, I felt the second half today bears this out.

BrendanD88 wrote: Banjaxed wrote: BrendanD88 wrote: If Whelan starts against Denmark we are in serious trouble. well it's only him or Josh Cullen. Or we can play Hourihane there, worked well for Villa today.

BrendanD88 wrote: If Whelan starts against Denmark we are in serious trouble.

well it's only him or Josh Cullen.

Maccatacca wrote: pre Madonna wrote: BrendanD88 wrote: Played well in that deeper role! Should start for us against Denmark. I'm not sure about that, felt he was part of the reason Villa were so open at the back. I thought they should have brought Whelan on for the last twenty. They left the game get far too stretched and it should have cost them. Always feel that Hourihane looks good for Villa because he is playing beside two decent players in McGinn and Grealish.