‘Don’t tell Gareth Southgate’ – Aston Villa fans hail Conor Hourihane’s match-winning performance for the Republic of Ireland

Conor Hourihane’s free-kick was the difference against Georgia.

Published on March 27, 2019

Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane has been away with the Republic of Ireland during the international break, helping them to back-to-back wins.

Mick McCarthy’s men have claimed all six points thanks to narrow victories over Gibraltar and Georgia in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

And it was Hourihane who made the difference in the home clash against Georgia on Tuesday night with his first-half free-kick separating the two sides.

The 28-year-old stepped up and sent his left-footed strike over the wall and past the Georgian goalkeeper for the only goal of the game.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Hourihane, who plays in central midfield, often divides opinion among Aston Villa fans. There is no doubting his ability to set goals up and get on the score-sheet himself.

But fans have often been critical of his inconsistency. The midweek international game showcased the most impressive side of his game: set-pieces.

Aston Villa fans took to Twitter to praise Hourihane and some aimed a sly dig at England manager Gareth Southgate.

As reported by The Telegraph recently. Southgate has told Aston Villa star Jack Grealish he needs to be playing higher than the Championship to get an England call-up.

Here are some tweets from Aston Villa fans discussing Hourihane’s sublime free-kick.

And who said players from lower leagues can’t match skill of prem players in international footie ???

— Sonia Williams (@SoniW801) March 26, 2019

Blimey, don’t tell Garet Southgate but @ConorHourihane plays in the championship!!! What a strike well done utv

— Mary (@MaryAVFC1874) March 26, 2019