Jon Walters is a figure much beloved among Ireland fans. The Stoke man is one of the most popular men in Martin O'Neill's squad due to the desire and commitment he shows every time he pulls on a green shirt. It's a big blow to our chances of taking something off the Belgians on Saturday that Walters looks set to miss the game with an achilles injury.
But if there's one thing that endears a player to the Irish fans more than the work-rate and passion that Walters constantly brings to the fold, it is an ability to wind up/annoy the English in any way possible. This is something that has no doubt endeared Wales star Gareth Bale to many on this island over the past week as he has been driving Roy Hodgson et al up the wall with claims that his side have more "passion" than their nearest neighbours.
And England captain Wayne Rooney has claimed that Walters has a penchant for getting in his ear during games, which just about makes him the complete footballer from an Irish point of view. Rooney pointed to the Stoke man and, ironically, another Welshman as the biggest 'sledgers' he has encountered.
In all the games I’ve played over the years in the Premier League, there’s not been much, probably Craig Bellamy the only one. Jon Walters a bit. They are the only two who try to speak to players and try to intimidate players.
Of course, Walters isn't the first Irish international to gain a reputation for being fond of verbal exchanges. Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton famously decked former Liverpool and Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer a few years ago for giving too much 'lip' in a charity soccer game.
We could go on at length with some theories of what Walters may have been saying to Rooney but, quite simply, that would be entirely redundant and a waste of time. Instead, we'll let your imaginations run away with you because, at one time or another, it sounds like the Ireland attacker has probably mentioned it to the England captain.
Which means that, if we're to somehow meet England at a later stage of Euro 2016, we can all look forward to the moment Walters is captured whispering sweet nothings into the English players' ears.
