Throughout his time as Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni spoke with a dismissive tone regarding the League of Ireland.
His attitude was encapsulated by his 'In Ireland there is no league' line. It was a quote which angered League of Ireland fans.
Trap's view completely ignored the contribution the league has made to Irish football at an international level. In Martin O'Neill's 23-man squad for Euro 2016, there are eight players, who at one time in their careers, pulled on a jersey for a League of Ireland side.
Today, those eight featured in some promo shots wearing the jerseys of the LOI clubs they once represented.
The eight players are:
Wesley Hoolahan - Shelbourne FC,
Stephen Quinn - St.Pat's
Shane Long - Cork City
Daryl Murphy - Waterford United
Stephen Ward - Bohs
David Meyler - Cork City
James McClean - Derry City
Seamus Coleman - Sligo Rovers
Also David Forde and Kevin Doyle who played for Galway and Cork respectively were two of those unlucky not to make the squad.
Here's the view of that selfie from Shane Long's camera.
The homegrown heroes doing Ireland proud at #EURO2016! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/xzK8opYvVL
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) June 15, 2016
Picture credit: Sportsfile
