If anyone was hugely surprised by Anthony Pilkington"s glorious headed winner against Manchester United, then they had not been watching Norwich closely over the last few seasons.
The Blackburn born midfielder has been one of the Canaries" standout performers since promotion to the Premier League in 2011.
His goal last night might have been his first this season but last season he raided eight goals from the left of a 4-5-1.
A mere three days after impressing in midfield for Ireland against Greece, Hoolahan was in top form in his advanced midfield role against United.
At the point of the midfield, the 30-year-old can get on the ball, keep possession intelligently and help open up the opposition defence.
Rigid formation
It is unlikely that Giovanni Trapattoni is blind to the talents of the Norwich pair.
But there is one thing stopping him - his reliance on a rigid 4-4-2 which suits neither player.
In the Italian"s preferred formation, the wingers are expected to hug the touchline and are not encouraged to seek loose balls in the opposition area which is something Pilkington has excelled at.
Trap prefers to have two defensive minded midfielders who eschew distribution for solidity.
Hoolahan is a more dynamic midfielder than Trap"s favourites Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan and his game is based on possession and finding space which makes him unsuitable in Trap"s formation.
However Ireland need players like the Norwich pair, Hoolahan in particular.
But a change of formation is necessary to integrate these players.
Image by ©INPHO/Lorraine O"Sullivan
