Wes Hoolahan was at his mesmeric best at the weekend, scoring twice as Norwich hammered play-off contenders Reading 7-1.

As is the case in life, timing is everything in sport. And with Martin O’Neill set to name his squad today for the crucial World Cup qualifier with Wales on Friday week, Daryl Horgan could scarcely have picked a better time to produce a virtuoso display.

Carlos Carvalhal hailed Keiren Westwood as “a fantastic goalkeeper” after his first-half penalty save helped Sheffield Wednesday to a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest in Championship action.

Aiden McGeady often flatters to deceive but the winger had an afternoon to savour on Saturday, scoring twice in Preston’s 4-2 win over Brentford.

In what looks like being his final game for the club, Robbie Brady showed the Norwich supporters what they’ll miss if he finally completes a move to Burnley, providing a typically pinpoint set-piece delivery to create the second goal in the Canaries’ 2-0 Championship victory over Birmingham.

Daryl Horgan’s first start for Preston proved a memorable one, the former Dundalk star creating the second goal and nearly scoring a third as North End beat Chris Hughton’s Brighton 2-0 in Saturday’s Championship clash at Deepdale.

David McGoldrick came off the bench to ease the pressure on Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy in Saturday’s Championship action.

Aiden McGeady began the latest chapter of his career by scoring on his Preston debut on Saturday but his fine strike from 25 yards wasn’t enough to earn his new employers anything in their Championship clash with Barnsley.

Daryl Murphy has set his sights on promotion after completing his move from Ipswich to Newcastle yesterday.

Alan Judge’s Euro 2016 dream is almost certainly over after the midfielder broke his leg in Brentford’s 3-1 Championship win at Ipswich on Saturday.

Sean O’Driscoll has spoken of his joy at “joining one of the world’s most iconic football clubs” after the former Republic of Ireland international was confirmed as Liverpool’s new assistant manager yesterday.

Liverpool have named Sean O’Driscoll as their new assistant manager and elevated Pepijn Lijnders to the role of first-team development coach as part of a shake-up of Brendan Rodgers’ backroom staff.

Former Irish International Sean O’Driscoll is believed to be right in the mix to be named as Brendan Rodgers’ number two.

Jeff Hendrick should have been sent off for a “shocking challenge” before playing a central role in Derby’s last-gasp equaliser in their 1-1 draw against fellow playoff hopefuls Brentford on Saturday.

Now that the dust has settled on the January winter transfer window, a number of clubs hoping to have made the signings that will make the difference for them between now and May.

A Galway man has won €421,587.08 from Paddy Power bookmaker when all 20 selections on his €5 accumulator came in on Stephen’s Day.

Manager Mick McCarthy has warned potential suitors a "bonkers offer" will be required if Daryl Murphy is to leave Ipswich.

Goals from Daryl Murphy and Jay Tabb gave Mick McCarthy an early Christmas present on Saturday as a 2-0 win over fellow promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough lifted Ipswich to second in the Championship.

He may have been outshone by clubmate David McGoldrick in Ireland’s 4-1 friendly win over the USA last week but Daryl Murphy remains the star Irishman at Ipswich after his goal earned Mick McCarthy’s men a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, right, has been handed a record seven-match ban — including a three-game stadium exclusion — for head-butting Hull midfielder David Meyler.

Swansea midfielder Jonathan de Guzman has cited the negative reaction from the Old Trafford stands as one of the major reason’s behind his club’s historic FA Cup win at Manchester United.

The Premier League big boys have all been kept apart as the draw for the fourth round of the FA Cup was made today.

Another potentially thrilling clash between Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal and Tottenham is in the pipeline after the north London rivals were drawn against each other in the FA Cup third round.

League leaders Arsenal were handed a mouthwatering tie against north London rivals Tottenham in the third round of the FA Cup.

A list of all the confirmed deadline day signings so far.

Reading manager Brian McDermott has told Republic of Ireland midfielder Jay Tabb he is free to leave the club this month.

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Portuguese midfielder Daniel Carrico was given his Reading debut against West Brom after completing a £600,000 move from Sporting Lisbon.

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Reading manager Brian McDermott has made seven changes for the Royals’ potentially tricky FA Cup third round trip to Crawley, with Ian Harte appointed captain for the first time.

FOR the majority of those involved, the third round of the FA Cup is still the date in the football calendar most synonymous with unpredictability and the gloriously enticing idea that anything can happen.

Reading manager Brian McDermott has indicated that new signing Daniel Carrico is unlikely to make his debut in tomorrow’s FA Cup tie against Crawley.

Emmanuel Adebayor is set to feature in Tottenham's FA Cup third-round clash with Coventry at White Hart Lane, but the Togo star's future beyond that remains in doubt.

Nottingham Forest last night sacked manager Sean O’Driscoll just hours after a 4-2 home win over Leeds left the club one point adrift of the npower Championship play-off places.

Rafael Benitez may be in as Chelsea manager but Republic of Ireland starlet Conor Clifford is, for now at least, out of Stamford Bridge.

Swansea are boosted by the return of Chico Flores and Nathan Dyer from suspension for their trip to face Stoke tomorrow.

Chelsea will host Manchester United in the standout tie of the Capital One Cup fourth round draw.

Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor scored his first goals since January as Aston Villa twice came from behind to knock Manchester City out of the Capital One Cup, winning 4-2 after extra-time.

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