The Irish Post’s weekly look at how Irish players got on in the English soccer leagues:
Barclays Premier League
Southampton beat an unconvincing Newcastle side at St Mary’s Stadium 4-0 to move the hosts into the top four. Saints boss Ronald Koeman will be concerned, however, with the head injury sustained by Ireland forward Shane Long, who was injured in a collision with visiting goalkeeper Tim Krul and came off at half-time.
Ireland’s Glenn Whelan, who was yellow-carded, and Jonathan Walters could not prevent Stoke City from a 1-0 home defeat to Leicester, who secured their first win since returning to the top flight.
Northern Irish defender Michael Duff featured in Burnley’s 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace, with both sides still awaiting their first Premier League win of the season.
Seamus Coleman, Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy, who picked up a yellow, started for Everton in their 2-0 away victory against West Brom.
Former Ireland target Harry Kane prevented Tottenham from grabbing all three points against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, when he scored an own goal in the 82nd minute. He levelled the scores 2-2.The full-back who qualified to line-out for Martin O’Neill through his grandparents recently declared his future to England.
Sky Bet Championship
Alan McCormack featured for Brentford in their 3-2 victory over Brighton, gaining their first home win of the season.
Ireland’s Wes Hoolahan netted the second goal of the game for Norwich against Cardiff City, levelling the scores, before another two second-half goals secured the Canaries a 4-2 victory. Norwich remain unbeaten since their opening day defeat at Wolves.
A close range effort from Daryl Murphy in the 63rd minute secured a 2-0 victory for hosts Ipswich against Millwall. The forward, who has lined out for Ireland, helped Mick McCarthy’s side to claim their first win since the opening day of the season.
