Republic of Ireland boss to play Aston Villa player Conor Hourihane at left-back against Bulgaria

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Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy will utilise Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane as a makeshift left-back against Bulgaria tonight, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

McCarthy has made the call based on the fact that typical left-back Enda Stevens will be suspended when Ireland travel to Georgia for a massive qualifier in October.

The boss is keen to have a look at Hourihane in that position as he looks to find a deputy for the Sheffield United man.

It seems likely that Hourihane will switch to his usual position for the game with Georgia but McCarthy is keen to cover all bases.

The Ireland incumbent told the Belfast Telegraph: “He is a very intelligent player, that’s for sure. He has a wonderful left foot and if we can get him further up the pitch so he can deliver crosses, we should get some joy out of that.

“Is there anything at stake against Bulgaria except for trying to find some things out? No, so why would I not try it?

“He’s got all the tools to play there, that’s for sure.

TBR Verdict – Hourihane should just be thankful for the badly needed game time

McCarthy is right when he says there isn’t a great deal to play for tonight when Ireland meet Bulgaria.

England despatched tonight’s opponents with ease on Saturday and McCarthy should see his side do the same this evening.

Hourihane should really be thankful to get some more minutes under his belt.

The Aston Villa man hasn’t started a league game since the opening day of the campaign, failing to get on the pitch at all for games against Bournemouth and Everton.

Already it would seem that the 28-year-old faces a fight for game time at Villa this season and the chance to get his eye in at Ireland shouldn’t be underestimated.

If he can head back to Villa Park with the confidence of playing two games, boss Dean Smith could be tempted to stick him back in his team this weekend.