Save for the doubts surrounding Scott Hogan, who was not in the Stoke City squad this afternoon, there have been no reports of any casualties from the Saturday afternoon action, Ireland manager Mick McCarthy will be keeping a keen eye on the senior squad players likely to be in action with their clubs this Sunday afternoon.
First into action at noon was Callum O’Dowda whose Bristol City scored the only goal to defeat their hosts Cardiff City in what was surprisingly, a less than torrid Championship encounter. Playing in a central midfield role, O’Dowda had a fine game.
A couple of hours later at 2pm, Aaron Connolly and Shane Duffy both started for Brighton & Hove Albion who went down to a three one defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford. Connolly was fairly quiet and was withdrawn at half-time with a groin injury. He is set to have a scan on Monday morning to determine the extent of the injury. Matt Doherty was in fine form for Wolverhampton Wanderers who defeated Aston Villa by two goals to one at Molineaux while Conor Hourihane was an unused substitute for vanquished Villa.