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Former Cork City midfielder David Meyler made his comeback for Sunderland this weekend. John Walton/EMPICS Sport
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Irish Eye: all quiet on the Premier League front

It was a low-key weekend for the Boys in Green in the Premier League as even Dickie Dunne was benched.

RARELY HAS THERE  been a weekend of cross-channel football with so few Irish players starting for their respective clubs.

In all of the weekend’s matches, only eight Irish players started, with five of those playing in the Wolves-Birmingham game.

The other three were David Meyler of Sunderland, who has returned from his long injury layoff; Seamus Coleman of Everton and Rory Delap of Stoke.

Worrying times, especially when such a reliable player like Richard Dunne finds himself dropped.

Stephen Hunt – Wolves

Hunt scored the vital goal for Wolves as they claimed a deserved three points against Birmingham. Right on half time, following some good work from Ebanks-Blake, Hunt nipped in at the front post to happily net his second goal of the season, and boy was it vital.

Later in the second half, a good corner from Hunt almost found Milijas who nearly netted the second Wolves goal.

Stephen Ward and Kevin Foley were very dependable throughout.

David Meyler – Sunderland

While not setting the world alight on his return to the Sunderland starting 11, the fact that Meyler was even starting is great news for Irish fans.

Meyler was not expected to return from his injury until the new year. He played well in a very dull game, and was taken off after 53 minutes as he is still working on his fitness.

Scotland Premier League

Stephen Elliot – Hearts

One of only a handful of Irish players to score in any of the English and Scottish divisions over the weekend.

Elliott ended a fine move with a headed goal on 51 minutes. Elliot was instrumental in everything Hearts did right in their impressive 5-0 victory over struggling Aberdeen.

Jonny Hayes – Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Winger Jonny Hayes opened the scoring in Caley Thistles 1-1 draw with Rangers with a scorching left-foot strike into the top corner of the
net that gave Allan McGregor no chance in a contender for goal of the season.

Throughout the game Hayes crossing caused problems for the Scottish champions, with Adam Rooney doing his best to make the most of the good supply.

There is a growing Irish contingent at Caley Thistle.

Michael Maher writes abour Irish football at GreenScene