Does anyone recognise this?
Ah, you do. Sure it’s only the bloody Carling Nations Cup trophy in all its splendour.
The Nations Cup? Now, come on! Remember that inaugural home nations’ tournament (the one that happened just once)? Ireland’s proudest moment, no? Trapattoni’s lasting legacy? Anyone?
The last time Ireland and Scotland met in international football, that piece of admittedly gorgeous silverware was up for grabs. Robbie Keane sealed the deal to start the party at a rip-roaring Aviva Stadium, with 17,694 in attendance to witness the country’s second ever international success, not to be outdone by the 1986 Iceland Triangular Tournament triumph of course.
But 2011’s victory was also memorable for Paul McShane’s driving, elegant Franz Beckenbauer-esque break from the backline to set Keane away for the winner. Unfortunately, the hero of the Carling Nations Cup won’t be able to repeat his feat in tomorrow’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier, as McShane was omitted from the squad.
All the more reason to relive a historic moment in Irish footballing history.
