Cult hero…
With Euro 2016 finally having arrived, the entire country is hoping that we can add a new name to the distinguished list of Irish footballers that will forever be immortalised in our sporting culture.
It’s very likely that Ray Houghton, Jason McAteer, Robbie Keane and many others will never have to pay for a pint in Ireland, but what about one of the other less-heralded players to wear the green jersey throughout the years?
While the following player may not have acquired Paul McGrath’s god-like status, this fantastic servant deserves his moment of glory.
Stand up for Steve Finnan…
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been able to watch the ‘golden generation’ of Irish players during the latter years of Jack Charlton’s reign, but while the achievements in the halcyon days of Euro ’88, Italia ’90 and USA ’94 may never be topped, like most Irish fans, my relationship with the national team has been the very definition of bittersweet.
As someone who has an appreciation for defenders who refuse to treat the ball like a grenade that has just landed at their feet, Finnan was an absolute joy to watch because the Champions League winner had everything that you would look for in a good full-back.
The Limerick man was incredibly consistent, versatile and strong in a challenge, but unlike other defenders who have a penchant for bombing down the wing, Finnan could also defend when required.
Finnan took the path that most Irish internationals did towards the international stage, taking the long way to reach the top of his profession. His distinguished career began at conference side Welling United and he’s still the only player to have played in the World Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup, Intertoto Cup, La Liga, all four levels of English league football and the conference.
In the green jersey, Finnan appeared in all of Ireland’s matches at the 2002 FIFA World Cup (he was one of the few players to score in the shootout vs Spain), but his most famous contribution was arguably his cross for Jason McAteer’s winner against the Netherlands at Landsdowne Road.
When playing for Ireland, Finnan was a pleasure to watch in possession because he was comfortable operating on either flank and deceptively quick. Such was his quality, Liverpool fans even voted him in 67th position in a recent poll entitled ‘100 Players who shook the Kop’, no mean feet given the calibre of players to have graced the Anfield turf.
The classy full-back’s unassuming and quietly impressive manner was reflected by his last international match in front of a Dublin crowd. Finnan scored a last-minute equaliser, but one that was instantly forgotten because Ireland somehow managed to reach a new low under Steve Staunton following their 1-1 draw with Cyprus at Croke Park.
This proved to be Stan’s final game in charge.
After making himself available for selection under Giovanni Trappatoni, Finnan announced his international retirement in 2008 and has happily embraced a quiet life in London. He may not be as visible as he once was, but there’s no forgetting just how good a player he was for Ireland.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
