The best Irish football players of all time

The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are definitely not the world's biggest football nations, but still managed to produce some excellent football players in the past. Here are the best, randomly ordered.

Known for his excellent left foot, Damien Duff started his pro career at Blackburn Rovers, where he got himself a move to Chelsea. With the Blues, the winger won two Premier League titles, one League Cup and One Community Shield. On an international level, Duff represented his country on 101 occasions, scoring 8 goals.

One of the strongest midfielders to ever play the football game, Roy Keane was an instrumental part of Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United for a long time. Keane played 326 games for the Red devils, before ending his career at Celtic.

Another United man, John O'Shea was a reliable defender who was very often underestimated. After his spell at Old Trafford, O'Shea would go on to play for AFC Sunderland and Reading.

Undoubtedly one of the best Irish goalkeepers ever, Shay Given played for Newcastle United for more than ten years and wore the Republic of Ireland shirty on 134 occasions. Need we say more?

A prolific goalscorer in this time, Robbie Keane impressed at Tottenham Hotspur, netting 112 goals for the London club.

Praised for his versatility, Denis Irwin was a defender you could always count on. The Cork-born spent the biggest part of his career at Manchester United, winning the Champions League in the 1998-99 campaign.

A skillful player., Liam Brady showed his class in England for Arsenal and West Ham, with a long Italian spell in between, passing through the likes of Juventus, UC Sampdoria, Internazionale and Ascoli.

Paul McGrath was one of the best Irish defenders ever, playing 83 games for his country and scoring 8 goals. On a club level, McGrath made a name for himself at Aston Villa, while also serving at Manchester United under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Making 119 appearances for Northern Ireland, Pat Jennings was a key player for his country for many years. He also represented big English clubs, such as Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Hailed as one of the best Irish midfielders ever, John Giles became a true legend at Leeds United, making more than 300 appearances for the club and winning the English League twice.

The third goalkeeper in this list, Packie Bonner spent this entire career at Celtic Glasgow, winning no less than five Scottish titles and four Scottish cups.

Scoring 20 goals for the Republic of Ireland, Frank Stapleton showed his goal-scoring ability on the international stage. On a club level, Stapleton enjoyed spells at Arsenal and Manchester United.

Quite possibly the best Irish player of all time. George Best was known for his crazy dribbling skills, which allowed him to score countless goals for Manchester United, where he is remembered as one of the all-time greats of the club.

Making 102 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, Steve Staunton deserves a spot on this list. The left-back made a name for himself in English football, playing for the likes of Liverpool and Aston Villa, amongst other clubs.

A dangerous, tall attacker, Niall Quinn scored goals for Arsenal and Manchester City, before retiring at AFC Sunderland in November 2002.

Born in Scotland, but representing the Republic of Ireland, Ray Houghton is fondly remembered for his goal against England at the 1988 Euro's. The midfielder started his career at West Ham United, before playing for Fulham., Liverpool, Ashton Villa and Crystal Palace, amongst other sides.