IT WAS A weekend to remember for Dubliner Graham Carey as he helped Plymouth Argyle hold Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to a scoreless draw at Anfield in the third round of the FA Cup.
Klopp made history by fielding Liverpool’s youngest ever starting XI for the tie, and it was a decision he may come to rue as Plymouth forced a replay with a resolute performance, in which Carey played a key role.
The 27-year-old, who is a self-confessed Liverpool supporter, could not hide his delight in his post-match interview with BT Sport, joking that he wished he could join in with the 52,000-strong fans belting out the club anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
“I wish I had a scarf on! No, it was great. I mean I have come here as a fan and had chills on the back of my neck,” said Carey.
“We stuck to the game plan and we frustrated them. We truly deserve a replay.”
Carey was recently named in the EFL Team of 2016 and already has nine goals in 24 league appearances, so he is certainly a man the Pilgrims will look to for inspiration in the replay.
Former Republic of Ireland youth international Connor Smith also featured for Plymouth, coming on as a substitute as the League Two side sought to close the game down.
Chris Forrester’s Peterborough United came up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but they were no match for Antonio Conte’s men, who won 4-1 despite losing John Terry to a red card.
Forrester was in the thick of the action throughout as his side put up a valiant effort against the Premier League leaders and was booked mid-way through the first half for a hefty challenge on Cesc Fabregas.
Another League of Ireland export found himself up against London-based Premier League opposition this weekend as Simon Grayson’s Preston North End narrowly suffered defeat at home to Arsenal.
Daryl Horgan made his debut in the game, coming on in the final 10 minutes with the game tied at 1-1.
Unfortunately, however, it would become a bittersweet memory for him as Olivier Giroud poked in a late winner.
While much of the discussion after the game centred around Horgan’s debut – less than a month after his last game for Dundalk no less – the game featured a number of other players who should be on Martin O’Neill’s radar.
Greg Cunningham continued his good form at left-back, while Alan Browne came on mid-way through the second half as the Lilywhites attempted to keep the Gunners’ fight-back at bay.
However, Aiden McGeady shone brightest, showcasing his trademark trickery in the build-up to the opener.
Chris Hughton’s Brighton and Hove Albion continued their winning streak on Saturday as they dispatched MK Dons without fuss.
Richie Towell made his first start of the season for the Seagulls, playing the full game, and Hughton was impressed by the former Dundalk star, who will hope to cement his place in the side after making a full recovery from injury.
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers full back Matt Doherty was in fine form for Paul Lambert’s side as they knocked Stoke City out of the cup with a 2-0 win.
The 24-year-old, who already boasts three league goals this season, supplied the first for Helder Costa and scored the second with a magnificent free kick.
Doherty has the unenviable task of dislodging Seamus Coleman or Robbie Brady if he is to force his way into the Ireland team, but he is doing a solid job trying.
An all-Championship clash between Birmingham City and Newcastle United produced an intriguing outcome from an Irish perspective as two strikers of interest to Martin O’Neill found the net.
Daryl Murphy scored his first goal of the season to put the Magpies ahead and completed 90 minutes, while Ireland-eligible Lukas Jutkiewicz equalised for Birmingham, forcing the tie to a replay.
Former Middlesbrough and Burnley striker Jutkiewicz, 27, is hardly what one would describe as a panacea to Ireland’s attacker predicament, but with nine goals in 21 appearances for Birmingham, he is certainly showing a nose for goal, something that Irish forwards are sorely lacking at the higher levels.
Shane Long started for Southampton against Norwich City, but the Tipperary native was withdrawn for Jay Rodriguez after 63 goal-less minutes, with the game finishing 2-2.
The 29-year-old has now scored just one goal in 24 appearances for the Saints this season, a worrying fact for O’Neill to ponder as he looks ahead to March’s World Cup qualifier against Wales.
Anthony Pilkington scored his sixth goal of the season for struggling Cardiff City in their third-round tie against Fulham, but it was not enough for the struggling Welsh outfit as the Cottagers came from behind to secure their progression to the next stage.
There was disappointment for Ireland captain Seamus Coleman as Everton exited the competition at the hands of Leicester City.
Coleman played the entire game for Ronald Koeman’s side, but was unable to force his side over the line.
James McClean also endured a frustrating weekend as West Bromwich Albion lost to Richard Keogh’s Derby County. However, the Derry native managed to strengthen his claim for a regular place in Tony Pulis’ starting line-up, providing the assist for Matt Phillips’ opener.
Elsewhere, Marc Wilson handed Martin O’Neill a boost by making his first appearance for Bournemouth’s senior team since September 20.
The 29-year-old Antrim native has endured a frustrating start to life with Eddie Howe’s side after moving from Stoke City at the beginning of the season, but he will be keen to kick on with the March qualifiers in sight.
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