Irish player ratings: Ryan Manning helps Southampton in promotion race

Michael Bolton

It was an eventful weekend for Irish players this weekend, with key performances in the championship in the race for the play-offs.

Will Keane scored two goals as he helped Preston to an important 3-2 win over Ipswich Town, leaving them three points outside the play-offs.

Ryan Manning helped Southampton to a 2-0 win over Rotherham as they kept up their charge for automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

Ciaran Kelly helped Broadford to a vital point against Wimbledon in a 0-0 draw in League Two. Further up the division, Conor Masterson scored to help Gillingham a 1-1 draw against Walsall.

In League One, Eiran Joe Cashin kept up his good form as Derby County kept up the pressure on Pourtsmoth with a 1-0 win over Charlton.

In the Scottish Premiership, Graham Carey was St Johnstone's best player as they fought to a 1-0 win over Ross County.