To mark the occasion of the last time Ireland's record cap holder and record goalscorer, the FAI asked Ray Houghton to select his all time greatest Ireland XI - presuming that Ray would play the part and put Keane into the line-up.
When you look at his numbers alone compared to everyone else, and his longevity, it's hard to argue that Keane shouldn't be in the team. But that's not how Houghton saw it:
On the day of his final cap Ireland's record goalscorer doesn't even make Ray Houghton's All time Ireland XI pic.twitter.com/WW1Qgv09kW
— Gerard Farrell (@gerrytastic) August 31, 2016
John Alridge and Niall Quinn get the nod for our Ray - who also picked Jack Charlton as the manager. While there's no argument for Charlton as the boss, perhaps Ray got a bit mixed up and thought that the team had to play the way Charlton wants - long balls up to the two big lads up front.
The rest of the team is very good. Denis Irwin, Paul McGrath, and Packie Bonner are stand-outs in defense, with Steve Staunton's longevity getting him ahead of Ian Harte and Eamon Dunphy (cheek meet tongue). The midfield is a particular strength - Ronnie Whelan, Liam Brady, Roy Keane, and Kevin Sheedy. What talent.
But really Houghton. Not having Keane in the team is wrong. Not having him on the occasion to celebrate his Irish career?
Hmmm
See Also: Watch: Robbie Keane Gives Emotional Post-Game Interview Upon His Farewell To Ireland
Photo by David Maher/Sportsfile
