Take a couple of minutes out of your day…
Alan McLoughlin was given a choice. On the same day he received his England call up, he also received his Irish call up.
But for him, there was no choice to make. He was only going one way.
He’d go on to represent Ireland 42 times scoring two goals in the process. One of these goals is certainly in the discussion for the most famous Irish goal of all time.
McLoughlin scored the equalising goal in Windsor Park against Northern Ireland in a critical World Cup qualifier in 1993, and following other results going Ireland’s way, secured Ireland a place at the World Cup in the US the following year.
The game had been all level until the 71 minute when when a spectacular Jimmy Quinn volley put Northern Ireland into the lead.
But just five minutes later, up stepped McLoughlin and hit a beautifully struck shot from outside the box which ended up nestled in the corner of the net.
What a moment it was for the Irish team and fans alike.
Video via Three Ireland
