Barnsley’s Conor Hourihane eager to impress
A promising teenager at Sunderland and at Ipswich Town when he followed Roy Keane to Portman Road, the Cork midfielder is now 24 and regarded as a player capable of maintaining his climb back towards the big time.
Hourihane played a remarkable 53 times last season during his first term with Barnsley, having joined the League One club on the back of three strong years a tier lower at Plymouth Argyle, and attracted the eye of numerous Championship suitors.
The goalscoring instinct he displayed by hitting the net 14 times has continued this season by grabbing the winner against Burton to kickstart the three-match unbeaten league run they’re currently on.
Tonight’s live televised occasion presents a novel deviation from the promotion quest, providing the chance to test himself against top-flight players including some he’s familiar with.
“I would have played alongside Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy for the Ireland U21s,” explained the Bandon playmaker.
“Hopefully they get to play but we know Everton will put out a quality side anyway. It’s a great opportunity to face a Premier League team and a chance to see how we can compete with them.
“Everton had a tough game against Manchester City on Sunday so maybe this isn’t a bad time to be meeting them. A lot of our players are young and hungry, keen to show what they can do against a top team.”
For Hourihane, it’s another step in the right direction. Much was expected of him back in 2008 after scoring at the U17 Euro finals against a Spain side led by Bayern Munich’s Thiago but a first-team breakthrough didn’t materialise until he stepped back to the fourth tier with Peter Reid’s Plymouth Argyle.
“I suppose it was risky move at the time but one I needed to start playing games,” he explains. “We had a great youth team with Ireland, with the likes of Conor Clifford and Conor Henderson in midfield too.
“Of that side, only Robbie Brady is playing in the Premier League. Some lads aren’t even playing football anymore, after falling by the wayside.
“I’m one of the fortunate ones then. Playing regularly for the past four seasons has improved me as a player and I still strive to be better. It’s very tough to make it to the top level nowadays but I’m hoping a few avenues can still open up for me.
“There’s plenty of players who get to the Premier League and senior international level at around 26 or 27. Of course, playing for Ireland is a big ambition but it depends on your club form and I know getting picked won’t happen while I’m playing in League One.”
Alongside the Leesider at Barnsley are two youngsters harbouring similar international hopes, albeit one of them, Arsenal loanee Danny Crowley, remains undecided between Ireland and England.
English-born Conor Wilkinson is already an established member of Noel King’s Ireland U21 squad and Hourihane admits 18-year-old starlet Crowley would be a welcome addition too.
He said: “Danny is a fantastic talent. Paul Doolin, the Ireland U19 manager, came to watch us last week against Millwall and I was chatting to him afterwards about Dan. I don’t know which country he’ll eventually play for but he’s an excellent player.” As someone hailed as a bright protégé himself, Hourihane knows the route can be circuitous but still worth the wait.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
