Burnley and Newcastle United, who both hover just above the relegation zone, met in the Premier League at Turf Moor on Monday evening with the visiting ‘Magpies’ emerging victorious by two goals to one. The ‘Clarets’ included Robbie Brady and Kevin Long in their starting eleven with Jeff Hendrick on the bench, while Ciaran Clark captained the visiting ‘Magpies’ from the left wing back position. Clark was solid in his defensive role but highlighted his night by his performance in the opposition box as his presence contributed to the own goal which gave his side the early lead and he then scored the second with a fine header. Kevin Long had an excellent game in central defence for Burnley but Robbie Brady, aside from a couple of decent dead ball deliveries, was disappointing. He looked some way off the pace tonight and reluctant to become involved in physical contact, perhaps not entirely surprising given his lengthy injury absence. Brady was replaced with ten minutes remaining by Jeff Hendrick who had little opportunity to impact the match.
New Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy was expected to be in attendance this evening.