He was always very effective at winning cheap frees with Ireland though we wouldnt have complained. Thought it was more his pace and trickery that had him fouled a lot back then but could well have been played for. I dont really recall it at Blackburn, Chelsea yes though he was played inside left with Robben, out and out winger with Ireland so got kicked about more. Still I dont get his current temperment if he is rattling on about professionalism and now must be on his 3rd touchline ban - no doubt he feels targeted for speaking out about refs. It was one of his backroom team that started the scuffle in the tunnel in Oriel that he got involved in and was sent off his messing rubs off!
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