Roy Keane tells brilliant Ireland jersey story from team’s glory days

Great memories

If only this had happened

Given that the Cork native made 67 appearances over 14 years, he played with many teammates throughout his time with Ireland.

One of those was Bernie Slavin.

Although not a regular, the Scottish-born striker made seven appearances for the Republic of Ireland and was regularly involved with the squad.

Despite featuring in a bit-part role at most, there was one incident that Keane always remembers with fondness.

He explained: "When we used to go with Ireland, back in the day you would have a squad of 18. There would always be a couple of extra players.

"Bernie Slaven used to come up. Bernie had been left out a number of times, but you still get a jersey.

"What Bernie used to do was go around and get his jersey signed by all the players, because he was saying 'I will be left out'.

"There was one time where he was told he was sub. He was on the bench with his jersey and all the signatures of the players! If he had to go on, he had the jersey with all the signatures.

"It was brilliant. I was thinking 'I hope he comes on with the lads' signatures on'."

Fair to say that this would've been quite the sight had Slavin actually been subbed on with a jersey decorated with his teammates' signature.

Slavin in fact even shared a photo of the jersey back in 2022.