Player Ratings 2022/23

Paul Ince has historically been good for Irish players. Remember when he brought Keith Andrews with him from League Two to the Premiership when he was appointed Blackburn manager?!

Can you imagine something like that happening nowadays when we're lucky to have three players starting on a PL match day? 

What a sliding doors moment that is BTW. We could've had a completely different midfield partnership under Trapattoni only for that huge show of faith. 

Begs the question: who would've been Whelan's partner if Andrews stayed with MK Dons when they were promoted to League One? 

30/9/22

Championship

Cyrus Christie 6

Curled one over the bar with 20 minutes go and helped lift a flat performance early on.

1/9/22

Premier League

Seamus Coleman 7

Recalled for his first Premier League outing of the season due to Nathan Patterson’s injury on Scotland duty, the evergreen captain got straight back to work like he’d never been away, marauding up the flank and defending resolutely.

Gavin Bazunu 6

Got down well to stop a cross from Demarai Gray midway through the first half that Conor Coady threatened to get on the end of. Held onto a shot from Gray well soon after that was straight at him but hit with power.

Needs to command his box better from set-pieces as shown by Conor Coady's goal but did well to stop Gray from making it 3-1 from a one-vs-one chance later on.

Matt Doherty 5

Tried to get Spurs going down the right but it was a tough ask with the numerical disadvantage. 

Championship 

Sam Szmodics 6

Came back into the matchday squad and will be happy to have found himself back on the pitch.

Andrew Omobamidele 6

Mark Sykes 6

Full of running and looked a threat down the right hand side.

Jimmy Dunne 7

Can feel somewhat hard done by to be dropped, but was called upon to close out the victory for the final 25 minutes after Clarke-Salter limped off, and did a good job.

Callum O'Dowda 6

A typically assured performance from the winger. He always looks capable of producing something when in possession and was more than helpful at the other end of the pitch.

Callum Robinson 7 (Star Man)

Had a number of chances early on but just couldn't find the net. Atoned for that, though, when he scored in the final minute to earn his side the point. Ran everywhere from minute one.

Josh Cullen 5

Started slowly and didn't have the influence we know he can.

Jeff Hendrick 8.5

Probably his best performance so far in a Reading shirt. Played a key role in the second role and almost got on the scoresheet late on when he fired narrowly wide from about 25 yards out.

Chiedozie Ogbene 6

James McClean denied him what looked a goal, other than that he ran the channels enthusiastically but to little effect.

John Egan 6

Solid at the back, won plenty of headers and was in the right position to clear from Graham in the first half with Hogan ready to pounce.

Scott Hogan 6.5

Put in what is now a typically industrious display, almost barged his way clean through on the half hour but the angle to cross for Deeney never opened up. Had a chance from Deeney's knockdown just after the break but couldn't apply a finish. All round a good effort though.

Greg Cunningham 6

Swept up and used the ball pretty well but Roberts caused him some problems on a handful of occasions.

Alan Browne 6

Put in a shift up and down the right flank and did combine well with midfielders on occasions. Wanted to get forward and ask questions - just lacked the killer final cross or pass.

Robbie Brady 6

Central. Good quality on the ball. Crossing. Tempo.

Troy Parrott 5

Came on and linked play up but couldn't provide the goal PNE were searching for.

Dara O'Shea 5

Might've scored very early - even before Swansea's opener - but his header was straight at Benda. Committed as ever but he's been at the heart of a defence which has conceded six goals in the last two Hawthorns outings.

Ryan Manning 8

the Irishman started very well and was pivotal to his side's best attacking play. Got the assist for his fellow wing-back's opener from a corner too. Good game management at the end.

Michael Obafemi 7

What an impact. So composed to rifle home the winner. 

League 1

Eiran Cashin 8

Composed and diligent defensively in the first half and the young centre-back continues to grow in stature with every game he plays. 

Jason Knight 7

Restored to the heart of midfield where his legs and energy make him a perfect fit for what Warne wants from this team moving forwards. Looked very sharp.

Conor Hourihane 7

Set-piece quality was decent and he had a shot saved by Dimi Mitov in the first half. Getting him into advanced positions on to that left foot adds so much to the Derby attack.

James Collins 9 (Star Man)

A brilliant performance from the striker who was here, there and everywhere. Was rewarded with his second and third goals of the season. The first was a lovely finish too, the second clinical. Outstanding from start to finish. 

Marcus Harness 7

The attacker produced the calmest of finishes to give his side the lead against his old club, as he slotted home Chaplin’s through-ball. Battled away throughout his time on the pitch, keeping it well at times and losing it at others before being replaced.

Sean Raggett 8

The pick of the defence and an absolute colossus throughout, while also used the ball well on the ground including nice bit of skill in second half.

Ronan Curtis 7

 

Good introduction from the bench with energy and pressing and won the second penalty with his persistence.

Jack Taylor 8.5 (Star Man)

Oozed class throughout the game. The dominant player on the pitch. Took control of midfield with his positioning, his movement, his forward runs, his ball-winning and his passing.

Mipo Odubeko 6

Back from international duty and used up front with Harrison as Vale tried to get back into the game.

Finally, the local paper/website in Wigan doesn't usually do game by game player ratings, so there are never any to post for Keane and McClean, but they have this week done a report card for each player for the season so far. Here's what they said for the Irish lads.

JAMES McCLEAN: B - Mostly played out of position at left-back, curtailing his attacking instincts, but let no-one down, and near the top of the divisional tackling stats.

ANTHONY SCULLY: N/A - Made his debut off the bench against Reading, still very much an unknown quantity.

WILL KEANE: B - Last year's Golden Boot winner has undoubtedly found it tougher this time, but three goals already - which could have been more - underlines his importance and output.

(In terms of context, they didn't give out any A's at all.)

16/9/22

Premier League

Gavin Bazunu - 5

Didn't have much to do early on in the first half though was called into action more as the game wore on. Pulled off some good saves at close range but was beaten when Jacob Ramsey fired home from inside the box after a corner.

More worryingly will be the Irishman's distribution though, which was poor for much of the game at Villa Park.

17/9/22

Premier League

Nathan Collins 3

Collins actually defended reasonably well in the opening exchanges and positioned himself well to clear a couple of City crosses. But the awfully timed challenge on Grealish which led to his needless red card cannot be excused.

Championship

Ryan Manning 9 (Star Man)

Made a mockery of his Ireland snub with another impressive display. Defensively sound and caused plenty of problems in attack, playing a key role in some big Swansea chances. Got the goal to put the Swans ahead as part of what was a brilliant display.

Cyrus Christie 5 

The bright spot for him was the warm reception he got from his former fans.

Scott Hogan 7.5

The one outfield player who looked as bright as he did the other night, making runs, winning duels and using the ball well. No service in front of goal in the first 45 though. His one opening after the break came from a Bacuna cross. Got it on target but well saved. He goes on international duty in good form.

Josh Cullen 6

Mops up well and made a vital block in the closing stages.

Mark Sykes 6

Similar to Dasilva, found it tough in the opening stages against Tella but gave Vyner better protection later in the first half. Almost assisted Wells with a cross from deep.

Callum O'Dowda 6

Was a reasonable threat all afternoon. Moved to wingback after Nkounkou's withdrawal, which actually made Cardiff look better defensively.

Callum Robinson 6

A really, really poor penalty miss, but recovered quite well. Was the focal point in attack for much of the afternoon, although he seldom looked like scoring. Looked desperate to get on the ball and rectify his earlier miss, and that in itself deserves credit.

Danny McNamara 6

On for Honeyman after 78 minutes. Put in a curling cross that Styles couldn’t quite get enough on.

CJ Hamilton 6

Limited chance to make an impression.

Andrew Omobamidele 5

Dara O'Shea 7

Mightily inventive way of getting his second goal of the season, pitching up at the back post with not a yellow shirt in sight. Talked through the game with partner Conor Townsend, and occasionally received a telling off from Bruce for the odd poor decision when in possession.

Jayson Molumby 7

Found Furlong on the run with one superb angled ball over the top of the Norwich defence. Ball carrying in the second half was very impressive. Another very sound shift from Albion's unsung hero this season.

Alan Browne 6

Put himself about and looked right up for it in the opening exchanges. Sent crosses into the box and got himself into final third while tracking back too. Drifted out of the game after the first goal, but saw a powerful shot well saved by Foderingham in the closing stages.

Troy Parrott 5

Busy in attack again and dropped in to try and link things up. Set up a chance for Whiteman in the first half, but didn't look overly dangerous in the final third - one deflected shot aside. A little bit confidence shot in front of goal, it seems.

Robbie Brady 5

Came on with 20 minutes to go but couldn't impact the game in the final third.

Sean Maguire 5

Played a few passes in the final third and had a shout for a penalty turned down.

John Egan 8

Strong in the middle of the back three. Had a lot to deal with but dealt with it well. Won his headers, produced a couple of blocks and deflected an effort that was heading for the target wide. Only mark against his name was when Johnson sold him a clean pair of heels and he had no choice but to pull him back and take the booking.

Will Smallbone 7

A couple of bright moments with neat control of the ball to create opportunities. Restricted more so after the break. 

Jeff Hendrick 6

A better first half than in the loss to Sunderland, with calm passing and defending on display. Unfortunately though he wasted Reading’s first great chance of the match, slicing Yiadom’s dangerous cutback over from less than five yards.

Stepped up defensively in the second half when Reading held strong to win the three points, and made several clearances.

League 1

Kieran Sadlier - 5.5

Went to left wing-back after coming on. Booked before full-time.

Jack Taylor 6.5

Competed well, but Posh lost their grip on midfield towards the end of the first half and never regained it. Taken off late on.

Glenn Whelan 3

Asked to do a job at centre-back by his manager and he endured a really difficult start, with Jack Diamond speeding away from him before crossing for the opener, and then he was adjudged to have fouled Ben House for the penalty that made it 2-0. Whelen thought he was hard done by and it will be interesting to see the footage. As the game wore on, Rovers' defensive structure collapsed and although Whelan made a couple of interventions to prevent further damage, this afternoon went from bad to worse for the Gas. Not a specialist in the position, of course, but a really difficult afternoon.

Trevor Clarke 6

Offered good width on the left and delivered one or two crosses that led to chances. He could have done more with his opportunities to create. But he was a bright spark.

Eiran Cashin 7

Made a brilliant challenge on Mehmeti just before half-time and the back four dealt with the Wycombe attack well given Wildsmith was rarely troubled. Went close with a long-range effort Played a key role for the second goal.

Conor Hourihane 8 (Star Man)

Had that composure on the ball in the final third when he had the chance and his skills are so much better suited to the attacking third than a defensive position. His two goals were a masterclass in finishing.

Jason Knight 7

Was moved from right-back into a more advanced role in midfield. Showed one or two neat touches and was busy. Tried to lead the press on occasions.

David McGoldrick 7

Led the line up front and was denied by Stryjek in the second half. Almost caught out the goalkeeper with a lob in the first half, but it was tipped over the bar. Possesses such a good brain.

James Collins 6

Put himself about as soon as he entered the fray. Dropped into some good positions.

Sean Raggett 7

Denied a goal at one end by a handball and then the linesman, only to score own goal at the other. Solid game, though.

Ronan Curtis 6

Couldn't get involved in the game as Pompey suddenly found themselves behind.

Marcus Harness 6

On for Chaplin and saw the ball in some good areas but, notably, couldn’t latch onto a Freddie Ladapo flick-on on the edge of the Wednesday box. Gave away a few niggly fouls as he helped Ipswich try and see the game out.

Scottish Premiership

Liam Scales 4

Scales had a brilliant game up until the end of the first-half, but he has been done harshly by the referee for the penalty. It was a tough day at the office for the Irishman, but the two yellow cards hurt the side as a gaping hole was left in the defence when he went off.

Jonny Hayes 7

Hayes started brightly in the attack during the first-half but was then pushed deep by the Hibs attack when they gained the man advantage. He ecame a part of the collective group that struggled during the second-half but was on hand on occasions to push the attack on.

4/9/22

Championship

Jack Bonham 4

Diabolical mistake for opening goal changed whole match. Brave to dive at Ince’s feet in second half.

Will Smallbone 5

Drifted in and out of the game. Shifted from right of midfield three to number 10 but chances were limited in final third. 

Jeff Hendrick 8

Ran his socks off in the middle of the park. Clever at finding spaces to make himself available for passes and pressed the Stoke players hard.

Shane Long 7

Back in the starting 11 for the first time in three matches. Missed a glorious opportunity towards the end of the first half when he guided the ball over the bar when it looked easier to score.

CJ Hamilton 6 

Provided a direct outball but could've made better decisions when he had the ball.

Sean McLoughlin 5 

A big moment for McLoughlin having not played much recently, and will have been pleased to get a few minutes, at least.

John Egan 7

Had the Championship's leading scorer to contend with and other than the chance from Norwood's mistake Estupinan didn't see much of goal. Egan then used his experience well to apply pressure on Longman when he had a chance in the second half and did enough to force him to fire wide.

30/8/22

Scottish League Cup

Liam Scales 8

Scales loves having a go at playing a killer ball forward, and that was the same once again, but the highlights came in defence as he swatted almost every threat clear.

Aberdeen need to tie him down permanently because it's becoming evident that he is the make-or-break man in defence.

Jonny Hayes 8

Bagging the assist for Besuijen's second, Hayes was the difference maker in this Aberdeen side after coming on for the second-half.

A true monster for Annan to deal with and a real leader on the park as he brought the experience that was needed to see out the result.

31/8/22

Premier League

Nathan Collins 8

Collins was very impressive in the heart of Wolves' back-line and his partnership with Kilman is going from strength to strength. The Irishman mopped up at the back and played out with class and precision.

Championship

Greg Cunningham 8

Saw a fizzed shot saved in the first half from distance and played a big part in the defensive effort. Rarely put a foot wrong one-versus-one and looked assured in the main.

Robbie Brady 8

Brilliant set piece delivery throughout and whipped in some wonderful crosses. Ran his socks off for the cause and showed his quality and experience in the closing stages. Switched to the right and did a job for the team after Fernandez replaced Potts.

Troy Parrott 7

Constantly on the move in the final third and showed his ability to naturally drive forward with the ball again. Carried a threat but lacked the killer instinct on one or two occasions. His trickery led to the goal and he was brought down by the goalkeeper in the first half. Mature display again up top for the team.

Alan Browne 6

Had to get used to pace of game off the bench but battled away in there and helped see the win over the line. Linked play together in the final third in the build up for the goal.

Jack Bonham 6

Continued chance to stake his claim to be number one. Decent save low down from Piroe in second half.

Will Smallbone 8 

Helped to change the game with a couple of clever crosses, including for the equaliser.

Mark Sykes 8

Played with excellent intensity throughout, tenacious in the tackle and a constant threat behind Josh Ruffels. Provided a number of threatening crosses into the Terriers box.

Scottish League Cup

Jamie McGrath 6

His corner led to the first goal but was pretty quiet in general play.

I was too young to remember Italia 90 but I imagine it'll be like that on the streets of small town Ireland when Parrott scores a Championship goal. People hanging out of cars waving Preston flags, people hanging off lampposts, people singing and such.

If it wasn't for you, boring old scorers like Hogan would barely get a mention. But the earth will tremor when Parrott finally scores. And did you notice, the walking tattoo got, as one poster informed us, an "assist to an assist" somewhere in Italy? 

27/8/22

League 1

James Golding 6

It was a tough ask for the 18-year-old to start a League One game in an unfamiliar position. Did not do anything wrong, but did not have much of an impact during his time on the pitch.

Warren O'Hora 7.5

Led the defence from the centre again, making key tackles and blocks.

Dawson Devoy 7

A strong first league start for the Irishman. Picked up clever spots and found space in front of the defence to turn the ball over and into attack. A solid hour on the pitch.

Conor Grant 8

A goal and an assist to his name, was involved in almost everything Dons did in attack.

Darragh Burns 7

Looked eager to impress as ever, but saw the game largely unfold on the opposite flank.

28/8/22

Premier League 

Nathan Collins 7

The Irishman made an uncharacteristic error which almost cost Wolves right at the beginning of the match. But Collins regained his composure to produce another good performance. He made lots of blocks and clearances, and had the measure of ex-Burnley teammate Wood, before a few hairy moments at the end as Newcastle applied some pressure.

Scottish Premiership

Jamie McGrath 5 

Some nice feet but couldn't get anything going.