WHETHER IT’S PLAYERS all but assured of a place in the team barring injury or those on the periphery of the squad, we take a weekly look at Irish footballers’ performances as the countdown to Euro 2016 continues.

3 who had a good weekend

1. Stephen Ward

Richard Sellers Richard Sellers

The 30-year-old full-back has been a regular in the Burnley team since breaking into the side in November and Ward played the full 90 minutes as his side beat Blackburn to go top of the Championship. In the same game, another Irish player, Shane Duffy, gave away the penalty from which the winning goal was scored.

2. Robbie Keane

Mark J. Terrill Mark J. Terrill

Keane scored from the penalty spot in LA Galaxy’s 4-1 win over DC United as the new MLS season got underway. It was a continuation of the veteran striker’s fine form from last season, in which he managed 20 goals in 25 games.

3. Richard Keogh

Nigel French Nigel French

Keogh, as always, featured at the heart of Derby’s defence in their 2-0 win over Huddersfield. The victory leaves Darren Wassall’s side fifth and just seven points off the automatic promotion spots.

3 who didn’t

1. Damien Delaney

Adam Davy Adam Davy

Delaney, of course, is officially retired from international duty, though Alan Pardew recently suggested the centre-back would be open to making a return ahead of the Euros and it’s hard to imagine that the experienced defender isn’t hopeful of being involved on some level. Either way, it was a disappointing weekend for the Palace centre-back, as he gave away the penalty from which Liverpool’s winning goal was scored.

2. Robbie Brady

PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

The Dubliner hobbled off after 27 minutes of Norwich’s 1-0 loss to Swansea. The player picked up a calf injury, with the club subsequently issuing a statement indicating they were uncertain of how long the player would be out for and confirming he would be assessed in the coming days.

3. John O’Shea

PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

John O’Shea only came on for the final moments of Sunderland’s game at the weekend, but gave Virgil van Dijk an inch of space to fire home the equaliser in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at St Mary’s.

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