The match between an Ireland XI and a Liverpool legends side is quickly approaching, with the Aviva Stadium set to host what is sure to be a cracking game next Friday, April 12th.
Not only will this be a fantastic occasion for Irish football fans, but it is also supporting a hugely important cause. The match will support the Sean Cox Fund, which was set up in order to support the rehabilitation of Meath man Sean Cox.
Sean suffered life altering injuries when he was attacked before the Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and Roma, with this being the latest effort to aid his recovery.
The game will feature a number of Ireland and Liverpool heroes, with some massive names on display. Tickets for the match can be purchased here.
REVEALED | Republic of Ireland XI 🇮🇪 squad to take on @LFC Legends in Sean Cox Fundraiser
Some legendary figures will line out for both sides with Mick McCarthy leading Ireland
Get your tickets now ➡️ https://t.co/iFEspNaTBn pic.twitter.com/QM7jzFj95F— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) March 1, 2019
Considering the star power on show, it is not surprising that they have been involved in some magical moments on the football pitch. Here are some of the best.
Robbie Fowler - Four minute hattrick
Robbie Fowler was one of the most gifted goalscorers the Premier League has ever seen, even if his career did fizzle out a bit towards the end. He was an incredible finisher for most of his time at Anfield, as this four minute 32 second hat trick against Arsenal in 1994 shows.
Bolasie's hat-trick was quick, but not quite Fowler quick. Relive the former @LFC man's 4min 32sec treble...https://t.co/EOfVnFqDq8
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 11, 2015
This was the quickest hat trick in Premier League history for many years, a record broken by Sadio Mane in 2016. He may have lost a step or two in the intervening years, but you wouldn't bet against him bagging one or two in the Aviva next Friday.
Jason McAteer - That goal against Holland
Jason McAteer was a fantastic servant to Irish football, with this goal being his peak in a green jersey being this winner against Holland in this vital 2002 World Cup qualifier. We still get get goosebumps watching this one.
Jerzy Dudek - Double save from Andriy Shevchenko
Jerzy Dudek had a mixed tenure at Anfield, making some mistakes that he would not be proud of. But in the club's biggest game in over 20 years, he came up big.
Everyone remembers the iconic save from Andriy Shevchenko's penalty in the shootout, but Liverpool would not have even gotten that far without this miraculous double stop by the Pole in extra time.
Best double save you will ever see Mr legend dudek 2005 #LFC (AL) pic.twitter.com/D8uSnHNX7S
— Darren (@AnfieldRevo) July 24, 2015
Robbie Keane - The Germany equaliser
As Ireland's record goalscorer, there is no shortage of iconic Robbie Keane moments to choose from. However, when you think of Keane's biggest goals there is only one that springs to mind.
Ireland entered the dying moments of their group game against Germany in the 2002 World Cup needing to secure a point in order to put themselves into a strong position heading into the final game against Saudi Arabia. There was only ever going to be one man for the job:
14 years ago today, Robbie Keane did this against Germany at the 2002 FIFA World Cup! #COYBIGhttps://t.co/mglB3JrDZt
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) June 5, 2016
Considering his exploits in the Spurs legend game last week, Keane is the man to watch in this game.
Neil Mellor - A list minute winner against Arsenal
When he burst onto the scene, it looked like Neil Mellor was going to be the latest striker to emerge from the Liverpool academy and have a major impact. Injuries would take a major toll on his career, but both of the goals he scored for the senior side were hugely important.
The one against Olympiacos in the Champions League group stage in 04/05 was vital in getting the team out of the group, but this last minute winner against Arsenal was absolutely out of this world.
Ronnie Whelan - That absolute corker against the USSR
Ireland got off to a dream start in their first ever major tournament, beating England in the Euro 88 opener. The next game against the USSR ended in a draw, with the opposition grabbing a late equaliser.
While that would ultimately cost Ireland a place in the semi-finals, the game is still fondly remembered because of this incredible goal from Liverpool legend Ronnie Whelan.
This one is often overlooked when we talk about the greatest Ireland goals of all time, but it has to be right up there.
Phil Babb - The ball buster
After sharing with you some moments of absolute brilliance, we are going to finish on a bit of a lighter note. Phil Babb was an excellent defender, starring for both Liverpool and Ireland in 90's and early 00's.
Unfortunately, he is probably most remembered for this attempted goal line clearance against Chelsea. Ouch.
In aid of the fundraising drive for Sean Cox, a team of Liverpool FC Legends will take on a Republic of Ireland XI in a unique game at Aviva Stadium on Friday, April 12. Tickets for the match can be purchased here. Donations can also be made to the Sean Cox Fund here.
