This week, two footballers who appeared out of nowhere to play at the highest levels of the game compete for what will surely rank among the greatest achievements in their careers - a place in The Terry Phelan Hall Of Fame.
They may not have been particularly good compared to professional players, but Joe Lapira and Ali Dia achieved what most of us can only dream of by playing for Ireland and in the Premier League respectively. No matter how they got there, those achievements deserve respect rather than scorn. So please consider that in your voting below.
The Case For Joe Lapira
1. Was called up for the Irish team because it was easier and cheaper than flying an actual professional player across the Atlantic.
2. Could have become the second player to have played for both Ireland and Rangers, but suffered a calf injury minutes into the first training session of his trial.
3. Won the 2006 Hermann Trophy, so at least Staunton could point to his award-winning record.
4. Could also have played for Malta through his paternal grandparents, so we should feel honoured that he chose us.
5. Seemingly no video evidence can be found online of Lapira. We thought we'd found one, but it had been taken down by someone called "Steve S", whoever that could be.
The Case For Ali Dia
1. Managed to blag his way into the Southampton team after claiming to be the cousin of Liberia great George Weah and having played for Paris St Germain. Back in the days before Wikipedia.
2. Was rumbled when he was asked to point out Liberia on a map. Also (or more accurately), when his solitary appearance revealed him to be quite useless.
3. Despite presumably rubbish training appearances, still got selected on the bench for a match against Leeds. Think how far he'd have got if he'd claimed to be Pele's illegitimate son.
4. Probably not quite as good as Bebe, for whom Man Utd paid £7.4m in 2010. On that basis, Dia would probably be worth about £5m today.
5. He's married to Messi's sister. Therefore his son is going to be another superstar.*
Video evidence:
*At least, that's what he told us.
Who wins?
[polldaddy poll="7292350"]
