Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane has admitted in a lie detector test to hating Scottish giants Rangers.
The 26-year-old was made the revelation to betting site Unibet, as cited by football site Talking Baws, who posted a video on their Twitter account of the midfielder participating in a Q&A session.
Asked by the interviewer whether he secretly hates a football team, Hourihane responded: “Rangers”.
https://twitter.com/talkingbaws/status/916727678144778241
The Republic of Ireland international has been one of the in-form players in the Championship this season after overcoming early teething problems following his January transfer to Villa from Barnsley.
The midfielder is currently the club’s joint top goalscorer this season with five goals to his name alongside forward Albert Adomah, including his first hat-trick for Villa in their August win against Norwich City.
Hourihane is currently on international duty with the Republic of Ireland squad.
OPINION
Hourihane is unlikely to come across Rangers in opposition any time soon, although he would incur the full wrath of the Ibrox faithful were he Villa to schedule a pre-season friendly against the Glasgow giants. The midfield goal machine’s loathing of Rangers could stem from his Irish heritage, given the close connections between Celtic and those from southern Ireland. What is for certain is that Hourihane will not be signing for Rangers any time soon. He is a fine player and would certainly strengthen Pedro Caixinha’s side after emerging as a key member of Steve Bruce’s promotion hopefuls.