After another busy weekend of Premier League and Championship action, Balls takes a look at how the English media rated the Irish plying their trade in England's top leagues.
Shane Duffy had another good day at the office against Wolves on Saturday, with Brighton and Hove Independent rating the centre half an 8 after another dominant performance in the air. Duffy also went close to scoring at the other end in the first half.
Duffy's gain was Matt Doherty's loss at the Amex Stadium, though the right back still got a good review in The Birmingham Mail, who gave him a 7, stating that he was 'involved in everything Wolves did well going forward, but he did miss their two best chances'.
Whether you want to hear it or not, Declan Rice put in another stellar performance for West Ham in their draw with Leicester. Rice was named man of the match by Sky Sports pundit John Hartson and Football London were also forthcoming in their praise for the 19-year-old, rating him a 9:
Uncharacteristically poor on the ball in the opening 10 minutes of the game, put his fellow midfielders under too much pressure. Grew into the game though and became more and more dominant as West Ham relied upon him following Noble's red card. So adept in midfield, keeps it simple and effective. Dominant second half, didn't miss a beat. Broke up play superbly.
Shane Long had a twelve minute cameo in Southampton's draw with Newcastle, the Tipp native missing a good opportunity to win the game for the Saints in the dying minutes.
Robbie Brady made a welcome return to Premier League action after 10 months on the sidelines. Brady lasted the full 90 minutes but could not stem Chelsea's attack as Maurizio Sarri's men ran out comfortable 4-0 winners at Turf Moor. Jeff Hendrick also featured, but was subbed on the 65 minute mark. Both players received yellows.
According to Lancashire Telegraph, Brady was Burnley's 'brightest outfield player', giving him a 6/10 rating. Hendrick on the other hand got a 4, with the paper stating that it was a 'surprise he lasted as long as he did'.
Aston Villa lost 1-0 to QPR at Loftus Road on Friday, Glenn Whelan came on as a sub on 41 minutes, the Birmingham Mail writing that the midfielder gave a good account of himself:
Whelan - 6, Never stopped running and passed his way out of trouble quickly and efficiently.
Richard Keogh got a 7 from the Derby Telegraph after 'another steady display' in his side's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough. Teeside Live were effusive in their praise for Boro keeper Darren Randolph, rating the Bray native an 8:
The Irish international kept his team in the game with several vital stops as Derby threatened to run riot in the first half. Randolph could do little about the first goal though did have a lucky break when a shot came back off the post and hit him on the back of the head but, fortunately for Boro, the rebound rolled wide of the open goal. He made a save from Nugent in the second half that proved critical to the outcome of the game.
Marc Wilson received a 6 from the Bolton News for his performance in Bolton's defeat to Hull.
James McClean continues to struggle for Stoke, coming on as a sub on 70 minutes in their narrow win over Bristol City, the Stoke Sentinel writing that the winger 'struggled to get out of second gear'. For Bristol, Callum O'Dowda only lasted 45 minutes, and was given a 6 by the Bristol Post:
Great run down the left to set up an Eliasson chance early on and he also won several useful glancing headers in the opposition area if he did lose the ball in midfield occasionally. Subbed off at half-time.
Millwall captain Shaun Williams presided over a 3-0 over Ipswich on Saturday, and his corner led to the first goal of the game. Williams was rated 7 by Football London. Aiden O'Brien came on as a sub for Millwall on 63 minutes, but didn't have a great impact on the game, getting a 6 for his efforts.
Callum Robinson was again instrumental for Preston at the weekend, claiming an assist in his side's 1-1 draw with Rotherham. Alan Browne also completed the 90, as well as Rotherham's Richie Towell. Ryan Manning had a five minute cameo for the away side towards the end of the match.
Sean Maguire also came off the bench for Preston on the hour mark, but didn't make an impression in the 1-1 draw.
Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick both played in Sheffield United's 4-2 win over Wigan Athletic. In the Star Stevens received a 6, with McGoldrick getting an 8 in a win that sees them cement their position on top of the EFL Championship.
John O'Shea could not help as Reading lost 2-0 to Swansea at the Liberty, Football London only giving the Waterford man 4 for his efforts:
Came into the side for just his second league appearance. Made a vital header away inside the opening two minutes. Brought some leadership to the side but did leave too much space in behind at times.
Wes Hoolahan came on for West Brom in their draw with Blackburn, though was largely ineffective according to the Birmingham Mail.
Down into League One, Ronan Curtis was a real pest for Portsmouth against Accrington Stanley, as Pompey drew 1-1.
