No bloody wonder so many scouts are taking a long, hard look at Conor Hourihane.
Hourihane is having a dream season for Championship side Barnsley and has reportedly drawn a few admiring glances from Aston Villa, Norwich, Celtic, Rangers and LA Galaxy.
The midfielder earned himself a deserved call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad back in October but has yet to feature for Martin O’Neill, although that is looking increasingly likely to change in the coming months.
Quite simply, Bandon’s Hourihane is giving the Irish manager no choice but to take notice of his otherworldly form in the Championship.
According to the most recent stats from WhoScored.com, Hourihane has actually been the second best player in the league this season, with a more-than-admirable rating of 7.78 out of 10.
The 25-year-old popped up with his fifth goal of the season on Monday afternoon, when Barnsley travelled to Nottingham Forest.
In the 88th minute at the City Ground, the ball arrived from wide and Hourihane had just one thing on his mind.
He steadied himself with his first touch, allowed the ball to bounce twice and then, well, then he did this.
Magical!
https://twitter.com/BigNonce/status/815976496338784256
https://twitter.com/mattkiitchener/status/815974009611415557
Hourihane. Get him in. Like now.
— nycvillan (@nycvillan) January 2, 2017
Hourihane you beautiful male #hourihanesleftfoot 🔴⚪️⚽️ #COYR
— Coach Kieran Sykes (@kieran_as) January 2, 2017
What a goal by Hourihane that left is God like
— Rich (@RichDowle) January 2, 2017
Pay Hourihane what he fucking wants.. sell town hall or something #youreds
— Alex Gillespie (@alexgillespie4) January 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/conorbrn/status/815969683870547974
https://twitter.com/NWadsworth90/status/815967172380000260
