Top 3 International Performances by an Irish Player

**stojkovic** · 19/12/2007, 5:31 PM

Originally Posted by keenanboy

Have to disagree with this, the back 4 got a roasting from England and Packie saved their bacon on a number of occasions, including pushing a Barne's header onto the post in the dying seconds.

Look at it again.

He made about three good saves, one from Robson and a couple from Lineker. But the rest go down as bad finishing as alot just hit him. The back 4 were not roasted that day - McCarthy was roasted. He was absolutely shocking. McGrath and especially Whelan were brilliant in midfield that day.

**tetsujin1979** · 20/12/2007, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

I'm convinced I read an interview with him in the Independent where he said he was called up a few more times, but never played.

Again this relates to Paul Butler, he was called into the squad by Mick McCarthy against Greece in 2000, but didn't even make the bench, despite a number of withdrawals: http://www.independent.ie/sport/kean...de-379359.html

As back-up, McCarthy has drafted in Alan Maybury (Leeds), Alan Mahon (Tranmere) Paul Butler (Sunderland) and Gary Doherty, Spurs' latest signing

Incidentally, while trawling through the archives on independent.ie, I came across this: http://www.independent.ie/sport/leed...nt-370205.html
Compare and contrast with the current Premiership players: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroa...ompetitionID=1

BTW the archives are excellent, well worth spending time on

**OwlsFan** · 20/12/2007, 6:59 AM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

Incidentally, while trawling through the archives on independent.ie, I came across this: http://www.independent.ie/sport/leed...nt-370205.html

Quantity but not huge quality. The frightening thing about that list is how many never went on to make it in the true sense of the word (i.e. became regular international players).

**bwagner** · 20/12/2007, 8:22 AM

Steven Baker (32).

David McMahon what happened this fellas?????

**Hibernian** · 20/12/2007, 9:46 AM

My top 3 would be

Duff v Spain WC02
Keane v Portugal 2001
Mcgrath v Italy WC94

**Block G Raptor** · 20/12/2007, 3:42 PM

Originally Posted by Torn-Ado

McGrath V Italy 1994. It gives me goosebumps watching him block everything that came his way that night. A master in defence who broke his balls for ninety minutes.

.

Not to mention doing it with a paralysed shoulder

**as_i_say** · 20/12/2007, 8:31 PM

Thanks for posting those links blob-great to hear some american twangs on sockker!

**Drumcondra 69er** · 21/12/2007, 8:57 AM

Originally Posted by stojkovic

Look at it again.

He made about three good saves, one from Robson and a couple from Lineker. But the rest go down as bad finishing as a lot just hit him. The back 4 were not roasted that day - McCarthy was roasted. He was absolutely shocking. McGrath and especially Whelan were brilliant in midfield that day.

Think that's called being in the right place at the right time. Bonner was immense that day.

**danonion** · 24/12/2007, 11:47 AM

Three that come to mind ...

Kilbane vs France ... the 0-0 game I think, in central midfield.

Gary Breen in the '02 WC. He won more headers than the whole of the Irish team combined.

Niall Quinn vs. Germany in 02