Conor Hourihane eyes another Championship play-off fairytale

On loan at Swansea from Villa since January, the midfielder will be a key man for Steve Cooper’s side against his old team Barnsley over two legs. A place at Wembley is again at stake.

Conor Hourihane: “I’ve always been someone who wants to stand up and be counted."

Republic of Ireland midfielder Conor Hourihane is a man who thrives under pressure which is why he will be a key figure for Swansea City in the heat of the Championship’s play-offs this week.

When the Republic’s dreams of reaching Euro 2020 came down to a penalty shootout with Slovakia last October, the men in green turned to Hourihane first to get them off to a good start.