Cork's Conor Hourihane confirms Aston Villa departure 

A number of second-tier clubs will have their eye on the Cork man this summer. 

 Conor Hourihane of Republic of Ireland. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Conor Hourihane has confirmed his exit from Aston Villa. 

Hourihane spent five years at Villa, making 132 appearances and scoring 23 goals - a good return considering the last two seasons have been spent elsewhere. 

The Cork native - currently on duty with the Republic of Ireland -  spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, and the previous at Swansea. 

Taking to his Twitter in reply to a 'thank you' message from the official Villa account, Hourihane said: "All good things come to an end! Special days and special club"

All good things come to an end! Special days and special club 💜 https://t.co/phgqdhguJV

— Conor Hourihane (@ConorHourihane) June 10, 2022

Now, it's likely that Hourihane will have a number of keen suitors in the Championship, having played 29 times in his spell with Paul Heckingbottom's Sheffield United last season.