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Mandriou, Talbot & Carr – LOI Team of the Week, Gameweek 21

After yet another exciting round of League of Ireland action, it’s time to see which players performed well enough to make it into The Football Faithful LOI Team of the Week.

Goalkeeper

James Talbot (Bohs)

Could have gone with Alan Mannus for his penalty save from Danny Mandroiu, and could do nothing about the two goals conceded, but Talbot was the busier of the two keepers.

Made some outstanding saves and was brave as his side held on for yet another Dublin Derby win. Tipping the ball expertly around the post from ex-Bohs man Dylan Watts curler, catching nearly every ball that Rovers bombarded his side with and showed tremendous bravery to launch himself at the feet of the on-rushing Watts.

Right Back

Simon Madden (St.Pats)

A clean sheet, albeit against strugglers Finn Harps, Madden offers so much more. Going forward at every chance and has a quality delivery too. A beautiful cross that Mikey Drennan should have done better with was yet another standout moment, as his side now go level on points with 4th place Derry City as the race for Europe heats up.

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Left Back

Paddy Kirk (Bohs)

The all-action youngster is certainly making the most of his chance with Darragh Leahy away with the under-21s at the Toulon Tournament. Sharp and snappy in the tackle, tremendous engine to get up and down the field and had a really good battle with the bigger and stronger Ethan Boyle on the flank. Call it youthful exuberance or whatever, but The Gypsies have yet another excellent young talent on their hands.

Centre Back

Conor McCarthy (Cork City) 

Showed brilliant defensive awareness and yet another solid performance as his side were forced to hold on at The Showgrounds, despite going one nil up. The valuable point see’s his side rise to seventh in the league and the 21-year old is proving to be one of the brighter spots in a disappointing season for the Leesiders.

Centre Back

Michael Barker (Bohs)

With Keith long being without a potential six starters, another one of those to benefit was Michael Barker. Had to bide his time over a frustrating period but was an absolute rock at the heart of the Bohs defence as Rovers launched ball after ball into the area.

Ran himself into the ground so much that he needed assistance coming off the pitch minutes before the end with what looks like a bad hamstring injury. A real blow to the ex-Pats, Bray and UCD man.

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Right Wing

Jake Walker (St. Pats)

As the old saying goes, “You never forget your first” and what a time to get your first goal for the club. Having come through the ranks from under-17’s, under-19’s and now senior team, Walker came off the bench and showed calmness and composure beyond his years to give his side a vital victory seven minutes from time with a well taken low drive in off the post. A great moment for the frontman.

Centre Mid

Cian Coleman (St. Pats)

The highly-rated young midfielder had had to bide his time to get a chance in a star-studded Pats midfield but has taken his chance in recent weeks and then some.

Man of the Match display in his sides one-nil win over Finn Harps will do his cause no harm and will give boss Harry Kenny a serious selection headache going forward.

Centre Mid

Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers)

Maybe a controversial selection this week given his side lost on the night, but it was Byrne who really looked to try grab his side by the scruff of the neck and get them back into the tie. Combined well with Dylan Watts as Rovers dominated much of the possession and showed his quality and passing range, whilst trying to drive forward.

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Centre Mid

Danny Mandroiu (Bohs)

Showed incredible bravery to score from the spot, having missed a penalty just minutes earlier. Went on to score one of the best goals the league has ever seen to give his side all three points along with the bragging rights yet again in a massive Dublin Derby win for Bohs.

Left Wing

Dan Carr (Shamrock Rovers)

Brilliantly taken equaliser from Ronan Finn’s lob over the back four. A constant danger throughout down the left-hand side with his pace and power. Strange he’s not played through the middle more.

Forward

Graham Cummins (Cork City)

Scored the opener with a well-taken volley away at Sligo Rovers, but his side were unable to kick on and win the game. Sligo fought back well and deserved the draw but the goal will be a massive confidence booster for the frontman.

Read Also: 10 of the best LOI exports to the Premier League