Seven months on from his move to Aston Villa from Barnsley, Conor Hourihane finally looks to have settled at the club. This season, in three Championship appearances, he has four goals. Three of those came as Villa beat Norwich 4-2 on Saturday afternoon.
In contrast, after making 17 appearances in all after his January move, Hourihane scored just once for his new club last season. The introduction of Glenn Whelan to the Villa midfield - perhaps the Nemanja Matic to Hourihane's Pogba - has possibly allowed the Cork man's attacking spirit burst free.
Hot on the heels of Hourihane's hat-trick came news to possibly disrupt his new found feet at Villa Park. The Sun on Sunday reported at the weekend that Premier League newcomers Brighton are interested in acquiring the services of the 26-year-old. Chris Hughton's side are said to be keeping an eye on Hourihane's situation at Villa.
According to the Birmingham Mail, even prior to Hourihane's hat-trick at the weekend, Steve Bruce was keen to retain the player in his squad.
Bruce admitted after Saturday's game that Hourihane - who was signed for £3 million on a three-and-a-half year deal - had found it difficult initially to settle.
But he found it a bit difficult here to settle in. He didn’t have the confidence and swagger that he had at Barnsley where he was the kingpin.
That [the hat-trick] might give him the confidence.
