In the first of a new series where Ali Maxwell & George Elek speak to players who've completed the EFL - starting in League Two and going all the way to the Premier League - the guys are joined by Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane.  Starting with his early days in Ireland, his disappointing spells at Sunderland & Ipswich, before things really picked up when he signed for League Two Plymouth, storming through League One with Barnsley, and eventually reaching the promised land with Aston Villa, his journey culminates with a lovely tale about how he proved his haters wrong.   Topics covered:

• Upbringing in West Cork, Ireland

• Roy Keane's personal influence on his move to Sunderland

• The move to Sunderland,his friendship with Jordan Henderson

• Move from Sunderland to Ipswich, where he learnt some harsh lessons

• Establishing himself at Plymouth Argyle in League Two

• Thriving with Barnsley in League One & Championship, his love for the club

• The decision to join Villa and turn down offers from Sheff Wed & Fulham

• His difficult first few months at Villa Park

• First full season with Aston Villa and the disappointment of losing play-off final

• 2018/19 season & promotion to Premier League, the emotion of winning play-offs

• Reflections on Premier League football compared to EFL divisions

• Using the doubters as inspiration!

• Thoughts on sacrifices made to make it to the top

• Plans for a future career after playing...

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