Some team in fairness.
Over the years, most of Ireland’s greatest football players were lucky enough to play a part in either a European Championship or World Cup finals.
However, some were desperately unlucky not to experience the greatest honour in a green jersey.
This is a tribute to those men.
Goalkeeper – Alan Kelly Sr.
His Ireland career spanned three decades, starting in 1956 and ending in 1973 after 47 appearances.
He holds the record for most appearances made for Preston North End, and is the father of fellow Ireland international Alan Kelly Jr..
Left-back – Tony Dunne
Along with his Manchester United teammate Shay Brennan, Dunne was the second Irish player to win the European Cup, following on from Celtic’s Charlie Gallagher.
Was named as Irish footballer of the year in 1969.
Centre-back – Mark Lawrenson
One of the few players in this team who would make an all-time Ireland XI.
Enjoyed a hugely successful career with Liverpool in the 1980s, winning five league titles, one European Cup, one FA Cup and three League Cups.
Centre-back – Charlie Hurley
His nickname at Sunderland is ‘The King’, which says it all really.
He was also named as their Player of the Century in 1979.
Right-back – Johnny Carey
The first in a very long line of esteemed Man United fullbacks.
His 1949 FWA Footballer of the Year award sneaks him in ahead of Noel Cantwell and Shay Brennan.
Midfield – John Giles
One of Ireland’s greatest and most influential figures, and would have walked into most teams in his pomp.
A shame we did not get to see him on the biggest international stage.
Midfield – Liam Brady
‘Chippy’ was desperately unlucky not to have played in two finals.
He was suspended for Euro ’88, and a falling out with Jack Charlton and his methods led to an early retirement ahead of Italia ’90.
Right wing – Steve Heighway
Failed to hit his Liverpool heights with Ireland, but his club record speaks for itself.
With the Reds he won five First Division titles, two European Cups and two UEFA Cups.
Left wing – Terry Conroy
A maverick on the wing with his close control and dribbling ability, and a legend at Stoke City.
He won 27 Ireland caps between 1969 and 1977.
Forward – Don Givens
He deserved to go to the European Championships in 1976, with his goal-scoring exploits in the qualifiers seeing him bag a hat-trick versus the Soviet Union and four against Turkey.
He was Ireland’s top scorer when he retired and is joint-fourth all-time with 19.
Forward – Michael Robinson
In contrast to Heighway, Robinson seemed to up his game when lining out for Ireland.
He also won a European Cup with Liverpool, coming on late in the 1984 final against Roma.
