Paul McShane has often been the subject of senseless ridicule but the whole-hearted defender looks to have found the perfect place to showcase his talents in Reading.

Republic of Ireland international David McGoldrick came off the bench to score and send Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich top of the Championship last night.

It may still be very early days but the Championship table will make very pleasant reading for Chris Hughton this morning. 

The opening weekend of the Championship season was a pretty uneventful one for the Irish.

The vast majority (98%) of Irish emigrants to Australia believe the Government is not doing enough to help them return.

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.

Daryl Murphy continued the season of his life on Saturday but there’s now a real danger his goals — 23 and counting — will count for little at the end of the campaign.

A weekend that started in celebration ultimately ended in frustration for Daryl Murphy.

He’s the Irishman whose goals have ensured that what should be a procession resembles a contest.

It was a case of no pain, no gain for Daryl Murphy this weekend as the Republic of Ireland striker broke his nose scoring Ipswich’s opening goal in their 2-1 Championship win at Fulham.

How the Irish fared:

How the Irish fared

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

Jeff Hendrick made a compelling case to start Friday’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland by scoring two sublime goals to help Derby to a 5-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.

Wes Hoolahan was on target as Norwich came from 2-0 down to beat Cardiff 4-2 on Saturday, a win which lifted the Canaries to second in the Championship.

Jon Walters bounced back from his Chelsea nightmare in style by netting a brace to help Stoke to a 4-1 extra-time victory over Crystal Palace in last night’s FA Cup third-round replay at the Britannia Stadium.

Wolves 2 Southend 1

BIRMINGHAM defender Alex Bruce has opted to make himself available for the Republic rather than Northern Ireland.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 Manager Don Givens has had to make some personnel changes to his squad travelling to Madeira on February 13 next for the Madeira Tournament.

Republic of Ireland Under-19 manager Sean McCaffrey has named a squad of 18 players for two friendly matches against Norway in Dublin later this month.