[tps_header]In advance of Wednesday’s massive game against England at Wembley, which is being shown live on Setanta Ireland, we are starting the build up, bringing you back to that infamous night and plotting the key storylines that makes May 29th, one of the biggest nights of the sporting calendar.
A lot of players often show early promise in their careers but never quite live up to their potential. These are five players who could have been playing in tomorrow night's friendly but sadly, something went wrong along the way.[/tps_header]
[tps_title]Stephen Ireland[/tps_title]
Stephen Ireland is only twenty six but it seems unlikely that he will add to his total of six Ireland caps and four goals. He hasn't played a game for Ireland since 2007, which is disappointing when you consider the great start that he had to his international career along with the fine form which he showed for Man City in the 2008/2009 season. Of course, the whole granny controversy does have a lot to do with that.
He never quite reached the heights of that season again for Man City in which he scored thirteen goals from midfield. His move to Aston Villa has been a major disappointment with him only managing one goal for the midlands club.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmOKva_tBKQ?
[tps_title]Liam Miller[/tps_title]
Liam Miller was supposed to be the next Roy Keane. He was from Cork and left Celtic to play for Man Utd after some brilliant performances for the Glasgow club in the Champions League. He career never took off in Manchester though and has largely been a disappointment since.
He now plays for Brisbane Roar in the Australian A-League after having spent time with Leeds, Sunderland, QPR, Hibs and Perth Glory.
He made his Ireland debut in 2004 and has 21 caps.
[tps_title]Michael Johnson[/tps_title]
Michael Johnson is another Manchester City player who has had a disappointing career following a meteoric early rise. He's still only twenty five and released by Man City earlier this year after being one of the most promising players to be produced by their academy in the last ten years.
His best season at Man City was 2007/2008 under Sven Goran Eriksson and was even once sought after by Liverpool to the tune of £10 million.
He has made several appearances for England at under age level but none at senior level.
[tps_title]Dean Ashton[/tps_title]
Dean Ashton made one appearance for England in what was a relatively short career. He showed early promise at Crewe and was signed by Norwich for £3 million in 2005, just a year later he was signed by West Ham for £7 million.
Ashton made an impressive start to his time at West Ham but it was blighted by injuries. His best season came in 2007/2008 when he managed 36 appearances and 11 goals.
He was forced to retire in 2009 though after struggling with a long-term ankle injury.
[tps_title]Jermaine Pennant[/tps_title]
Jermaine Pennant could have played for both Ireland and England at international but ultimately has never represented either at senior international level. He was purchased by Arsenal from Notts County for £2 million at the age of just 16 in 1999 but never fulfilled the potential seen by Arsene Wenger.
He's currently at Stoke but will leave the club when his contract expires next month and will look for what will be the 11th club of his career.
