NI stars defend Harry Maguire after his recent performance against Scotland

England's Harry Maguire looks dejected after scoring an own goal during the 150th Anniversary Heritage Match between Scotland and England at Hampden Park (Photo by Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Eamonn Holmes and Rory McIlroy have come to the defence of Premier League footballer Harry Maguire after the player was jeered by opposition fans through the second half of England’s friendly match with Scotland on Tuesday night.

Despite Gareth Southgate’s side securing a 3-1 victory over their rival neighbours, Maguire has been having a troubling time as of late, including being stripped of his Manchester United captaincy and losing out on starting spots with Erik ten Hag’s team.

Adding to this, Scotland’s one consolation goal against England was a mistaken own goal from the 30-year-old centre-back, resulting in more media criticism for the red-faced defender.

Rory McIlroy has empathised with the soccer star, telling Sky Sports: “I’m sure Harry wakes up every morning and goes to work and tries his best, just like we all do.

"When your life and career are laid bare like that, and you could make 20 great passes in a game and the one pass that doesn’t go quite right is the one that everyone focuses on; look, it’s a tough world that we live in, but unfortunately, it's part of our job of being in the public spotlight,” added the Co Down golfer.

“We get well rewarded for being in that public spotlight, but that’s the way it is. I do things that shield me from that and it certainly protects my mental health. I think more and more sports people are getting to the point where they’re doing the same thing.”

Discussing Maguire’s recent form on GB News on Wednesday, Eamonn Holmes – a self-professed Man United diehard – was