Ireland striker Scott Hogan the ’real deal’

“He looks a different player. He’s oozing that confidence now and he looked the real deal today.”

How the Irish fared: Steve Bruce described Scott Hogan as the “real deal” after the Aston Villa striker’s first-half header secured a 1-0 Championship victory at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, writes Darren Norris.

Hogan’s effort ensured a third successive league win and lifted Villa to fourth, five points off an automatic play-off spot.