On Thursday we received an email from a chap by the name of Padraig who told us that he very kindly reads Planet Football every Monday morning while he's driving to work (what the road safety people will make of this we're not quite sure).
Padraig, being a "thirty-something" himself, has noted with pleasure how many current or former Republic of Ireland internationals of advanced years are still earning their keep in England and Scotland. And who should score for their clubs on Saturday? Two of the oldest, David Kelly (right, with a late equaliser from a penalty for Motherwell against Rangers) and Owen Coyle (his 19th of the season for Airdrie). Uncanny.
Suggesting that Mick McCarthy needs all the experience he can muster at the World Cup Padraig recommended that he opt for this line-up (ie the oldest Irish XI still playing in England and Scotland): Keith Branagan (Ipswich, 35); Denis Irwin (Manchester United, 36), Alan Kernaghan (Clyde, 34), Brian Carey (Wrexham, 33), Curtis Fleming (Middlesborough, 33); John Sheridan (Oldham, 37), Mike Milligan (Blackpool, 34), Steve Staunton (Aston Villa, 32); Owen Coyle (Airdrie, 35), Niall Quinn (Sunderland, 35), David Kelly (Motherwell, 36). Combined age: 380. Average age: 34 and a half. Mmm. Reckon Germany, Cameroon and Saudi Arabia wouldn't be displeased, Padraig.
