MICK McCarthy has named the eleven best players he has ever played alongside, with Irish players dominating his selection.
The Ipswich Town boss sat down with Paul Merson on Sky Sports’ The Fantasy Football Club to pick his team selection based on those he has lined out with.
And eight former Ireland stars made the cut.
They are Packie Bonner, Paul McGrath, Kevin Moran, Chris Hughton, Ray Houghton, Andy Townsend, Kevin Sheedy and Frank Stapleton.
During his playing career, McCarthy won 57 caps for Ireland and represented Barnsley, Manchester City, Celtic, Lyon and Millwall.
From L to r: Ireland's Pat Byrne, Tony Grealish, Mick McCarthy, Chris Hughton, Jim Beglin, Michael Robinson and Mark Lawrenson training in 1984McCarthy's starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Packie Bonner
"He was a really sane, sensible goalkeeper who didn't do anything bonkers."
Right-back: Paul McGrath
"The guy who could play anywhere."
Centre-back: Kevin Moran
"I got 57 caps with Ireland, most of them playing with Kevin. He was hard."
Centre-back: Norman Hunter (CAPTAIN)
"I played with Norman at Barnsley. I just idolised him."
Left-back: Chris Hughton
"Chris was brilliant. I remember playing against Holland and against Ruud Gullit and I didn't think I was ever going to get a kick."
Right-wing: Ray Houghton
"He was miles better than anyone else I played with. He didn't let you get away with anything either."
Central Midfield: Andy Townsend
He's got bundles of energy, he could get box to box, he could head it, he could tackle.
Central Midfield: Paul McStay
He had a bit of everything. He was every bit as effective as Steven Gerrard in our Celtic team.
Left wing: Kevin Sheedy
Just brilliant. Even in training, picking teams, he'd be one of the first I'd pick.
Striker: Frank Stapleton
I roomed with him for four years, I was like his personal servant, because he was the Man United No.9 and Ireland No.9!
Striker: Allan Clarke
What stood out above everything else was how he scored goals. He used to pass it in the net and it stuck with me forever and ever and ever.
