Jon Walters is the man.
Called up for his first Ireland cap at the age of 27 back in 2010, he has since been an ever-present and has grown into one of our most important players. His physical style of play suits us down to the ground, and while he might not score in every game he plays in, you can be damn sure that he will have run every single channel and will never leave the pitch having not given 100%.
He can also play the game of football too, as showcased by his sublime goal against Chelsea in the League Cup, so we thought it was about time we formed a guide so that more Irish men can be more like Jon Walters.
First and foremost, be a hard bastard.
This is a picture from an actual Ireland match programme. All of your pictures should look like you are willing to thrown down at any moment to protect what you believe in.
Always back yourself.
Big Jon's fantasy football team from earlier in the season shows that a) He's picked himself, and b) He's ready to captain the side if Dimitri Payet has to sit out.
Keep everything in perspective.
There's been a lot of talk about it. People say 'players' heads are all over the shop' and things like that.
To put things in perspective, we play football for a living and we're very fortunate to do so. You look at the media stories that have been dominating the headlines this week and a three-year-old boy with his five-year-old brother both lost their lives trying to get a better life in Greece.
I'm very, very fortunate to do what I do for a living. I know that, so, I was late coming over and when you put that into perspective, it doesn't mean anything.
Have a laugh at your own expense occasionally.
After his deadline day move away from Stoke collapsed, Jon saw the funny side:
Helicopter away for the year ? sorry LVG it's not happening ?
— Jonathan walters (@JonWalters19) September 1, 2015
Never shy away from a penalty.
Even if you've missed loads..
Don't be afraid to call out the media.
Poor journalism...Stringing together quotations and taking them out of context to fit a story ?? good effort but well wide of the mark!
— Jonathan walters (@JonWalters19) June 15, 2015
Not happy with this.....! I'm going in. I want at least 120k ???? pic.twitter.com/IXf4oDKJZx
— Jonathan walters (@JonWalters19) April 3, 2015
Hold the ball in the corner like your life depended on it.
This clip is a life lesson. If you truly want something, don't let anyone take it away from you.
Embrace other sports.
Wow @juliansavea7...machine! #getoffandgetbackinthegym
— Jonathan walters (@JonWalters19) October 17, 2015
Stand your ground and take it like a man.
If you're in the wall..take it in the face! We'll take the 3 today ?? #baggyface #nicepoutPhilipp pic.twitter.com/lEZDNrpnFr
— Jonathan walters (@JonWalters19) October 3, 2015
Lets others know when you are not happy with them.
"Pass the ball."
Absolutely rock the 'bandage around the head' look.
Because you're a warrior.
Stand up for your political views.
Be a culture vulture and visit the theatre.
This should be interesting ? pic.twitter.com/i5pjyUSR68
— Jonathan walters (@JonWalters19) March 27, 2015
Never take any bullshit from anyone.
As a player you take anything off the ball, pinches and kicks that are meant to wind you up. Little things like that go on in any match.
But spitting is pretty low. If it happened to me and someone spat at my face or towards me then I think he’d be eating his supper through a straw that night.
Persevere.
Walters is now an established Premier League player and an important figure in the Irish international setup, but he is where he is because of hard work and perseverance, as can be seen by the amount of clubs he played for before settling at Ipswich and then moving to Stoke.
And the hard work pays off with moments like this:
EURO 2016 Qualification update: Refrain from post-match selfie-taking, except when in the presence of political dignitaries.
Be hard on the pitch and be humble off it. Those are words to live by. But when the president of Ireland is in your dressing room minutes after you've qualified for a major international tournament, there's nothing wrong with a selfie.
Not one for selfies after games but you can't miss one with the president Michael D Higgins ☘☘ have a bit of that! pic.twitter.com/R2EeobeEZZ
— Jonathan Walters (@JonWalters19) November 16, 2015
We salute you Jon Walters, an example to every Irish man.
