Martin O’Neill will be licking his lips.
It emerged last week that Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan would declare for the Republic of Ireland.
In an area that Ireland are lacking, with Jon Walters pushing on, the 24-year-old’s introduction to the squad ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier games against Georgia and Serbia was a huge boost.
The Salford born Hogan appears to be rounding into form at just the right time, as he got off to a blistering start in the Villain’s EFL Cup game against Wigan on Tuesday night.
The Irish members of the Aston Villa squad are firing on all cylinders recently, with Conor Hourihane notching a sumptuous hat-trick in the league at the weekend.
Pushing for a fourth. Not found it yet. Good pressure.
Here's the moment @ScottHogan_9 bagged his second 😀🙌 pic.twitter.com/A4OmHBCZ5v
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 22, 2017
Hogan was on the score sheet twice before the 44th minute of the game as he helped to fire Steve Bruce’s men into a 4-1 lead in their tie.
Not use to this! Another stunner scored by Villa, this time Scott Hogan is running of celebrating. #avfc pic.twitter.com/bsvjduwEte
— AVFCchats 🦁 (@AVFCchats) August 22, 2017
There was a bit of uncertainty surrounding the whole Hogan saga, with Irish football fans getting impatient with the forward after his initial hesitancy to declare.
Of course, the assumption was that the Salford born footballer was waiting on a call up to the England squad but eventually it was announced that his intention was to play for the boys in green.
Republic of Ireland fans are in optimistic mood, especially considering the recent exploits of Sean Maguire for Preston North End.
Two goals from Scott Hogan tonight 👍🏼🇮🇪🍀
— Jason O’Connor (@Jayoconnor8) August 22, 2017
That’s what we want to hear.
Scott Hogan on a hat trick and I think he'll get it. Looks like scoring every touch. #avfc #utv
— Darren (@dirk1978) August 22, 2017
Get in.
