The famous connection between Liverpool and Ireland is also indulged in the sporting arena. One of England’s biggest teams, here are the top ten Irish players who have played for Liverpool FC.
The English city of Liverpool and Ireland have long had a special connection and relationship. This bond has transcended the normal activities of day-to-day life into the sporting arena, too.
Liverpool has a huge fan base across Ireland; chances are you’re friends with someone who follows the Reds. As such, there is perhaps no surprise that Liverpool have had a host of incredible Irish players throughout their history.
In no particular order, here are some of the top ten Irish players who have played for Liverpool FC.
10. Robbie Keane – Ireland’s greatest-ever striker
We kick off the list of the top ten Irish players who have played for Liverpool FC with Robbie Keane merely because of his short stint at the ‘Pool.
Keane is Ireland’s greatest-ever striker, but he only played 28 times for the club back in the 08/09 season. He scored seven goals and quickly returned to Tottenham.
9. Caoimhin Kelleher – the penalty shoot-out king
The County Cork youngster is the most recent addition, but he has more than made his mark on Jurgen Klopp’s teams.
The backup Ireland goalkeeper has won four penalty shoot-outs between the sticks for Liverpool, the first goalkeeper to achieve this feat in the club’s history.
8. Jim Beglin – one of the top Irish players who have played for Liverpool FC
Next on our list of the top ten Irish players who have played for Liverpool FC is Jim Beglin. Beglin was a left-back during his time at Anfield.
Beglin’s career was cut short at age 27 due to a leg-breaking injury he received. In total, Beglin amassed 15 caps for Ireland in his career.
7. Elisha Scott – legendary goalkeeper
Harking back to the early 20th century, you’ll find goalkeeper Elisha Scott. Across an incredible period of 22 years, the Belfast man played a total of 468 games for the Reds. To this day, he remains the club’s longest-serving player.
6. Jason McAteer – match-winner against the Netherlands
Jason McAteer will always be remembered for his match-winning goal against Holland in Dublin back in 2001.
At Liverpool, McAteer enjoyed a successful stint at the club in the mid-1990s, clocking up a total of 139 appearances across all competitions.
5. Ronnie Whelan – a European champion
Another extremely decorated player and kicking off the top five Irish players who played for Liverpool FC is central-midfielder Ronnie Whelan.
Playing 53 times for Ireland, he lined out 493 times for Liverpool, scoring 73 goals and winning six First Division titles, three League Cups, two FA Cups, and the European Cup.
4. John Aldridge – a prolific striker
Aldridge played at two World Cups for Ireland, including Italia ’90. He scored 19 times in 69 games for Ireland and also scored 330 Football League goals.
For Liverpool, the striker scored a phenomenal 63 goals in 104 appearances having joined in January 1987.
3. Ray Houghton – an important player for Liverpool’s best-ever team
The late 1980s arguably witnessed Liverpool’s greatest teams, and Houghton played an important role in these sides.
He played 202 times for Liverpool, scoring 38 times. For Ireland, he is well-remembered for scoring the winning goal against Italy at the 1994 World Cup.
2. Mark Lawrenson – a trophy-filled Liverpool career
Lawrenson, born in Preston, England, accumulated 39 international caps for Ireland across his career.
The famous ex-pundit is regarded as one of Liverpool’s top centre-backs, winning five First Division titles, a European Cup, three League Cups, and an FA Cup – a stunning record.
1. Steven Finnan – a consistent right-back for Liverpool
Ending the list of the top Irish players who have played for Liverpool FC is the consistently excellent right-back Steve Finnan.
Throughout the 2000s, Finnan was a reliable full-back for the Reds and was part of the 2005 Champions League winning team. He played at the 2002 World Cup for Ireland and amassed 52 caps.
That rounds off our list of some of the top Irish players who have played one of our most popular sports for Liverpool FC. Who would you rank as the best amongst them?
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