To commemorate St. Patricks day, we will look at some of the best Irish players to play for Liverpool FC. Despite there being many players from the Emerald Isle to play for the current English Champions, we have narrowed it down to five!
(In no particular order)
John Aldridge
Despite being born being born in Garston, Aldridge represented the Republic of Ireland at international level. He starred in two World Cup final tournaments during his ten-year spell with the national team – 1986-96.
Whilst playing for Liverpool, the striker scored 63 goals in 104 league appearances. He also won the First Division 1987-88, FA Cup 1988-89 and back-to-back community shields in ’88 and ’89 respectively.
Steve Finnan
Notorious for his consistency, Finnan made the right back position his own during his five-year stint at the reds – from 2003-08. His Manager at the time, Rafa Benitez said: “Finnan is a player who will always play at a consistent level. He will be seven, eight, nine or even ten out of ten every week.”
The Limerick born defender went on to make 217 appearances for Liverpool, winning the UEFA Champions League and Super Cup in 2005 as well as the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2006.
Mark Lawrenson
‘Lawro’ was a stalwart defender for Liverpool between 1981-88. He was signed for 900,000 from Brighton & Hove Albion, then a club record. He was well worth the money making 356 appearances in all competitions for the Reds.
Lawrenson was born in Preston, England but like his former teammate, Aldridge, represented the Republic of Ireland through family ties.
‘Lawro’ won a grand total of thirteen trophies during his time on Merseyside – including five First Division titles and a European Cup.
Ronnie Whelan
During his five-year period at Liverpool, Whelan made 362 appearances, scoring 46 goals in total. More impressive was his trophy collection, he gathered an impressive six League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, five Charity Shields, and the one and only Screen Sports Super Cup.
The former Liverpool captain was a man for the big occasion will be most famously remembered by Liverpool fans for his goal in the 1983 League Cup Final at Wembley. Made even sweeter by the fact it was against arch-rivals, Manchester United.
Steve Heighway
Heighway is considered a true Liverpool legend amongst Kopites. Aside from a short spell in the U.S.A towards the end of his career, Heighway spent his whole footballing career at Liverpool.
Playing from 1970-81 and returning as director of the Youth Academy bringing through the likes of Gerrard, Carragher and Fowler.
As a player, Heighway won four League Championships, an FA Cup, a League Cup, two European Cups and two UEFA Cups in a trophy-laden career at Anfield.
Arguably Liverpool’s greatest ever manager, Bob Paisley, once said: “I’ve never seen a footballer move more gracefully than him. He should have been an Olympic athlete because he was so beautifully balanced.”
A fitting tribute to the Dubliner.
The list is almost endless but we have done our best to pick the best five Irish players to wear the famous red shirt. Let us know you’re top five on our social media pages – @merseysportlive.
Aldridge & Finnan pictures by Wikimedia Commons.
Lawrenson, Whelan, Heighway pictures by Getty Images.
Featured image by Flickr.com
