CORK man Conor Hourihane took home the match ball on Saturday after scoring a hat-trick in Aston Villa’s 4-2 win over Norwich.
The midfielder has now scored four times in two league games, accounting for half of the Villans’ Championship goals this season.
Hourihane scored his first from close-range, sliding in to poke home Keinan Davis’ pass.
He made it 3-1 with a deflected shot from 25 yards that left keeper Angus Gunn no chance, before sealing his hat-trick from a similar distance with a low drive across the Norwich stopper.
Scroll down to watch Hourihane's hat-trick
Villa boss Steve Bruce says Hourihane has lacked a bit of swagger since his move from Barnsley but hopes he will kick on from here.
"We always knew he was a good young player to have around the place and that bit of confidence came oozing out today when he scored his goal,” Bruce told the Birmingham Mail. “He's got four in a week which is terrific stuff."
Hourihane was understandably delighted to score his first career hat-trick, tweeting that it was “extra special that it was at Villa Park”.
Great to get our first win today. Special feeling to get my first hat-trick, extra special that it was at Villa Park!! ⚽️⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/7bQ1zsaczk
— Conor Hourihane (@ConorHourihane) 19 August 2017
Ireland fans will now be hoping he can replicate his club form in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Serbia in two weeks’ time, with the Irishman's display caused excitement on Twitter…
Conor Hourihane, @conorhourihane is now trending in Irelandhttps://t.co/ReiMPdNA0v pic.twitter.com/Izhyx1l08O
— Trendsmap Ireland (@TrendsIreland) 19 August 2017
Really am chuffed for Hourihane who people were quick to knock after a slow start for AV and Ireland. Best Irish performer in England today
— CoIm Kavanagh (@CoImKav) 19 August 2017
I said it all along that Ireland's Conor Hourihane was a great signing for Aston Villa. What a performance today! #avfc #coybig pic.twitter.com/sqiuZ07AZt
— Dave O'Grady (@DaveOGrady1) 19 August 2017
Great to see Conor Hourihane score a hat-trick for Villa today. Could be a useful option off the bench for Ireland v Georgia/Serbia.
— Paul Fennessy (@paulfennessy21) 19 August 2017
