Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane receives Twitter praise for Ireland display

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Conor Hourihane started for Republic of Ireland on Thursday night against Switzerland – and the Aston Villa midfielder received a range of positive comments on Twitter following his performance.

The 28-year-old played for Mick McCarthy’s side in the European Championship qualifier at home, which finished as a 1-1 draw after a couple of late goals.

Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar gave visitors Switzerland a lead in the 74th minute, as he slotted a calm finish in at the end of a team goal.

But Ireland did respond five minutes from time, as Sheffield United forward David McGoldrick headed home.

Ireland sit top of Group D with 11 points from five games so far and they host Bulgaria in a friendly match next Tuesday.

A selection of international fans on social media praised Hourihane for his Ireland display.

The central midfielder put some wicked delivers into the box with his dangerous left foot and was full of energy in the centre of the park.

He’s had a mixed start to the new season with Villa following the club’s promotion to the top-flight and started only one of the opening four league games.

The midfielder scored two goals in a Carabao Cup thrashing of lower league Crewe Alexandra, but is yet to fully make his impact in the top-flight with Dean Smith’s side.

He should take confidence from international duty and try to force his way back into the Villa team, as he was crucial in the promotion last season and is a deep-lying playmaker with plenty of quality.

Here are some comments aimed at Hourihane after Thursday night: