By:
Graeme Hanna
Conor Hourihane leads his Barnsley team into FA Cup action against Liverpool at Anfield on Monday evening.
In the build-up to the game, the Corkman has regaled of his playing days and pain experienced in cup competitions against Liverpool, describing the extent of the task that awaits his players.
The 36-times capped former Republic of Ireland midfielder goes into battle against Arne Slot’s side, backed by several Irish players in his group.
The Tykes will be without club captain Luca Connell after he picked up a red card against Wigan Athletic on New Year’s Day, which will be a big disappointment for the Liverpool-born, boyhood Everton fan.
Conor Hourihane calls for performance and pride at Anfield
Connell’s loss will be an opportunity for another player, and one who could make an instant impact is Eoghan O’Connell, after the Wrexham defender agreed a short-term loan deal with Barnsley.
He is in line for a debut at Anfield after Hourihane told the Yorkshire Evening Post that his fellow Corkonian “will definitely be involved”.
Other Irish players at Conor Hourihane’s disposal include Corey O’Keefe, who has been recalled from a loan spell at Stockport County, while veteran striker David McGoldrick could be an option from the bench.
His experience and seniority in the squad will be an asset for Barnsley on the big occasion against Liverpool, whether or not he is involved on the pitch.
Conversely, Neil Farrugia is not expected to be involved, with the winger said to be on the brink of a switch to the Scottish Premiership to play under Jim Goodwin at Dundee United.
More Macclesfield mayhem, less Exeter agony for Barnsley
As mentioned, the experience and know-how of the likes of Hourihane and McGoldrick will be crucial to Barnsley when they go up against Liverpool.
The League One side will be hoping that the outcome is more like Macclesfield’s against Crystal Palace, and not a chastening one like Exeter City received at Manchester City, but it is all about what they do on the pitch.
Conor Hourihane described his own pain endured at Anfield when his countryman Caoimhin Kelleher was the hero for the Reds on the night.
In 2022, he was part of the Derby County side that took Liverpool to penalties in the League Cup after a scoreless draw, but the Barnsley fans will hope for history to repeat itself with fond memories from their last-gasp FA Cup shock at Anfield in 2008.
The last time Liverpool played Barnsley in the FA Cup (2008), The Tykes scored a 93rd minute winner at Anfield…
They meet again this evening 🤝 pic.twitter.com/VzJgGpHNHp
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 12, 2026
The Tykes will be supported by 6000 supporters at Anfield.
“I feel very, very fortunate to have played against these teams and the top players, said Hourihane.
“And I’m really looking forward to the lads to be able to do that as well because of a lot of people in that dressing room won’t have experienced a top-level stadium, occasion and players.
“I really hope that they really enjoy it and put on a performance that they can look back on with real pride,” he added.
Image credit: barnsleyfc/X
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