The Republic of Ireland face a crucial World Cup playoff game against Czechia in March. While Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men may be viewed as underdogs by some onlookers, after consecutive victories over Armenia, Portugal and Hungry, anyone with a keen interest in football betting will have taken note of the team’s form and momentum.
As a nation, Ireland also has a proven pedigree in the World Cup, reaching the quarter finals in 1990 and the knockout stages in 1994 and 2002. The country has also produced some excellent footballers throughout history.
Roy Keane
Former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane is widely regarded as one of the greatest central midfielders in Premier League history. Over a glittering career with Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Celtic, he amassed 19 major trophies, including seven Premier League titles and a Champions League.
In 1998-99, he was a key part of the Manchester United squad that won the treble. A combative and hard-working player, he was also a standout performer for the Republic of Ireland at the 1994 World Cup.
Liam Brady
Dublin-born midfielder Liam Brady was renowned for his technical skills and cultured left foot. He enjoyed success with Arsenal in the 1970s, winning the FA Cup in 1979, and went on to enjoy his time in Italy, where he played for Juventus, Sampdoria, Internazionale and Ascoli, winning two league titles with Juventus.
One of the most famous number 10s of his generation, Brady played 72 times for the national team.
Paul McGrath
Widely viewed as one of the world’s elite central defenders in his prime, Paul McGrath was affectionately known as “God” to Aston Villa supporters and he helped guide them to two League Cup successes. McGrath also played for seven seasons at Manchester United, helping them to win the FA Cup in 1985.
He represented Ireland with distinction, playing in both the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.
Denis Irwin
Denis Irwin played for Leeds United, Oldham Athletic and Wolves, but is best known for his time at Manchester United, where he won seven league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League. Considered one of the greatest full-backs of all-time, he was equally comfortable as a left-back or right-back and was known for his free kicks and penalties.
On the international stage, Irwin represented the Republic of Ireland at the 1994 World Cup.
Johnny Giles
At the UEFA Jubilee Awards in 2004, Johnny Giles was voted as the best Irish player of the previous 50 years, highlighting the esteem in which he is held. Best remembered as a Leeds and Manchester United player, he won two league titles, two FA Cups and was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 1972.
Giles played 59 games for his country, scoring on five occasions.
David O’Leary
Central defender David O’Leary currently holds the record for the most appearances for Arsenal, having represented the club 722 times. He won two league titles, two FA Cups and two League Cups, and was named in the PFA Team of the Year on three occasions during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
O’Leary was part of the Ireland team that reached the World Cup quarter finals in 1990.
Ronnie Whelan
One of the most decorated Irish players of all-time, midfielder Ronnie Whelan won six league titles, two European Cups, three FA Cups and four League Cups during his time at Liverpool. He was a key part of one of Liverpool’s most successful periods in history and scored 73 goals for the club.
Whelan was also a regular for Ireland, appearing in two World Cups and one European Championships.
Frank Stapleton
Best known for his time at Manchester United and Arsenal in the 1970s and 1980s, Frank Stapleton was a talented forward with excellent aerial ability. Twice named as the Arsenal Player of the Season, he scored in the 1979 FA Cup final, guiding his team to the cup, before winning the same competition twice with Manchester United.
He represented the Republic of Ireland on 71 occasions, scoring 20 goals.
Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane is the most-capped player in the history of the Republic of Ireland and is also his country’s top goalscorer, with 68 international goals. Keane’s club career included stints at Wolves, Coventry, Internazionale, Leeds, Tottenham, Liverpool, Celtic and LA Galaxy. He won the League Cup and three MLS Cups.
A quick and versatile attacker, he was known for his goalscoring, creativity and dribbling.
Damien Duff
Damien Duff won 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland and was the team’s star performer at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He also captained Ireland at UEFA Euro 2012. The highlights of his club career came during his time at Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles and a League Cup. Duff also won the League Cup during his time at Blackburn Rovers.
In 2002, Duff was voted into the UEFA Team of the Year.
Conclusion
The Republic of Ireland will be hoping they can get past Czechia and the following round of the playoffs, in order to make it to the 2026 World Cup. You will be able to bet on the action at Epicbet and see if the current generation of Irish players can make their mark and stake a claim for a place in this list in future.
