Conor Hourihane became the first Irish-born player to score a league goal in over five years, for Aston Villa on Tuesday night as Steve Bruce's side defeated Bristol City.
The Cork midfielder only joined the club in January, after a stunning season with Barnsley. Tuesday's game was only his sixth for the club, and first off the bench.
Hourihane replaced an injured Gary Gardner in the first half, and scored on the hour mark for Steve Bruce's side. It's Aston Villa's second league win in a row, after failing to win in their previous nine games.
Aston Villa 2-0 Bristol City (28/02/2017) Kodjia's 12th goal of the season and Conor Hourihane's first goal for Villa #AVFC pic.twitter.com/701ZYPqcqR
— AVFC Goals (@avfcgoals) March 1, 2017
The former Barnsley captain has scored seven goals this season, and continues to impress after his move to Birmingham.
Aston Villa's win eases the pressure on Steve Bruce. The team now lie in 15th place, nine points above the relegation zone. Despite the team's aggressive recruitment in January of players like Hourihane, Scott Hogan and Henri Lansbury, it looks like the team are already planning for next season.
Martin O'Neill's squad for the World Cup qualifier against Wales will be announced on March 13th. The Cork star will hope his impressive form earns himself a place in the squad.
18 - Conor Hourihane has now been involved in 18 goals in the @EFL Championship this season (7 goals, 11 assists). Busy. pic.twitter.com/JSNw297OwF
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 28, 2017
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