Irelands nearly eleven

**fergalr** · 18/01/2007, 1:02 PM

Originally Posted by Royal rover

Liam O'Brien- rovers, man united, newcastle- class act at the shams

A bit unfair to call him a nearly man. He had a very successful club career (don't forget his stint at Tranmere). Won 8 caps at a time when we were teeming with world-class midfielders.

And am I going senile or didn't he have the nickname "Zico". I googled it but came up with this that claimed the nickname belonged to Mick Martin!?

**citizenerased** · 18/01/2007, 1:26 PM

Originally Posted by kingdom hoop

Ronnie O'Brien - once voted the world's best player

actually he was voted the most influential man of the 20th century

**citizenerased** · 18/01/2007, 1:30 PM

In relation to hopefuls, anyone remember Liam Daish of Birmingham and Coventry, was touted as our next great centre half.

Jason Gavin also, who has since been relatively successful in the Eircom League

**Royal rover** · 18/01/2007, 2:16 PM

[QUOTE=fergalr;607078]A bit unfair to call him a nearly man. He had a very successful club career (don't forget his stint at Tranmere). Won 8 caps at a time when we were teeming with world-class midfielders.

He was a nearly man in my eyes, he played mainly lower league football for the majority of his career, but he was a good player no arguements there

**tetsujin1979** · 18/01/2007, 2:43 PM

Originally Posted by fergalr

A bit unfair to call him a nearly man. He had a very successful club career (don't forget his stint at Tranmere). Won 8 caps at a time when we were teeming with world-class midfielders.

And am I going senile or didn't he have the nickname "Zico". I googled it but came up with this that claimed the nickname belonged to Mick Martin!?

I think you're right there, I've a vague recollection of him scoring a free kick against Wales around 1996 (not sure about the opposition, or even the year could be wrong) and George Hamilton screamed
"that's why they call him Zico of the North West"