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My Football Memory: Jason McAteer

Premier League Live with Sky Sports is back up and running on Today FM, and what a game we had to ki...
TodayFM
TodayFM

6:45 PM - 12 Aug 2017



My Football Memory: Jason McAt...

Sport

My Football Memory: Jason McAteer

TodayFM
TodayFM

6:45 PM - 12 Aug 2017



Premier League Live with Sky Sports is back up and running on Today FM, and what a game we had to kick things off, with Burnley shocking the champions Chelsea 3-2 at Stamford Bridge.

As well as that, we also rolled out the first of our new feature #MyFootballMemory this week, with former Republic of Ireland and Liverpool star Jason McAteer telling us all about his first International cap against Russia in 1994.

"I was asked to play for England! Jimmy Armfield asked me to play for England, but I never wanted to play for England, I wanted to play for Ireland."

What struck McAteer most about his debut - a 0-0 draw against Russia on March 23 1994 - was the camaraderie in the squad. Jack Charlton's side had been to the European Championships and two World Cups, and the bond was strong. The ride to Lansdowne Road that night is one McAteer says he'll never forget.

"The songs that they played on the bus are full volume, you can's help but be up for the match. You want to get off and start fighting.

After making his debut, McAteer went on to earn selection for the Irish World Cup squad that summer, and won 52 caps for the Republic of Ireland, scoring famous goals in both games against the Netherlands in the successful 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign. 

"I look back on those 12 years and loved every single minute of it. There was obviously ups and downs and things I wish wouldn't have happened. I wish Roy hadn't gone home. I wish I hadn't been dropped for a couple of games and I wish result in playoffs had been a little different.

"But I can't say I didn't enjoy every minute of being with them lads."

Listen back in full below: 



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