Fantasy Ireland XI (84-04)
Maybe this has been done before and if not, probably something similar has been done, but here goes anyway. Say you were allowed to add up to four Irish international players from the past twenty years (given that they would be at their peak) to the current side, what team would you chose? I’ve decided to kick it off with my selection.
GK: Shay Given Although Packie is a legend, I think Shay is a better keeper.
RB: Stephen Carr When fit, his only realistic challenger is current challenger Steve Finnan.
LB: Dennis Irwin The only choice.
CB: Paul McGrath Head and shoulders above the rest.
CB: Kenny Cunningham Would look even better alongside McGrath.
RM: Ray Houghton Would pose as much of a goalscoring threat down the right as Duff.
LM: Damien Duff Another automatic choice.
CM: Roy Keane A no brainer (and an obvious choice too!).
CM: Liam Brady To provide the killer pass.
CF: Robbie Keane All time record scorer.
CF: Clinton Morrison Improving all the time.
Was tough decision whether to include John Aldridge, Niall Quinn or Frank Stapleton in place of Morrison, instead of Brady in midfield, but ultimately the chance to get Irwin, Mc Grath, Houghton and Brady alongside the current squad was more than enough to tempt me. There are plenty of goals all over the park, with Duff and Houghton chipping in consistently, Dennis Irwin’s free kicks and McGrath from set pieces.
Not a bad side.
