BEST XI: Matt Holland names former Manchester United and Liverpool stars in his team

 

Former Republic of Ireland international Matt Holland played with some of the best at international level and also lived a long and happy life in the Premier League with Charlton and Ipswich. He spells out the Best XI from his career to us and it’s an impressive lineup…

 

GK: Shay Given – Mr Consistent. Rarely made a mistake. Gave defenders so much confidence knowing you had someone of his quality behind you.

 

RB: Steve Finnan – Mr Reliable. Put in at least a 7/10 performance every week. Never flustered and went about his business with the minimum of fuss.

CB: Richard Dunne – Quite simply a beast. Got better and better as he matured and also scored a number of vital goals.

CB: Rio Ferdinand – Was on loan at Bournemouth for about 10 games but impressed so much. Obvious to everyone that he was going right to the top. So composed on the ball with a turn of pace to match.

LB: Denis Irwin – Didn’t play many times with him but what a quality player. Comfortable with both feet and composed in possession.

 

MF: Roy Keane – Controlled and dictated so many games. A burning desire to win that rubbed off on those around him. The best I’ve seen at firing balls into the centre forward’s feet.

MF: Scott Parker – A great competitor. Treated every training session as if it was his last. A genuine box to box midfielder.

MF: Damien Duff – So naturally gifted. Always wanted the ball no matter how tightly he was marked and was a great outlet when under pressure. So difficult to get the ball off him.

 

FW: Robbie Keane – Skilful and sharp and came to life in and around the penalty area. Cool in front of goal you would always back him to score when one on one with a keeper.

FW: Paolo Di Canio – Some of the things he did in matches and training left you speechless. An amazing talent but also worked extremely hard. Set a great example for younger players and was often the last to leave the training ground despite being aged 35 when I played with him.

FW: Marcus Stewart – so unlucky not to get a call up for England. Perhaps a lack of pace counted against him but a natural goalscorer with unbelievable movement and ability to find space.