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FINNAN DOING IT FOR IRELAND!

Last updated : 06 June 2002 By

Since Club news is a little thin on the ground at present, I thought it

The Man Finnan!
would be nice to write a little about a former Magpie, currently plying his trade on the biggest stage in the world. I am of course referring to Steve Finnan who is representing the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup.

Initially on loan from Birmingham City, Finnan impressed and earned himself a transfer to Meadow Lane in October ’96 for £300,000. After playing over 100 games for the Magpies, and proving himself as a class act, he caught the eye of an ambitious Fulham. Finally in November of ’98, Steve made the move to the fresh pastures of Craven Cottage for a tidy £600,000. Now of course a Premiership regular, Finnan is attracting interest from some big clubs, including none-other than Manchester United.

The German fans go mad as their team take the lead
Finnan, along with the rest of the Irish squad, are currently doing their nation proud in a tough Group E.

I am sure there were many of you watching the game yesterday who were delighted to see him out there giving the Germans a tough time in the 1-1 draw at Ibaraki!

The Germany game was Finnan’s first full game so far in the tournament after only playing the second half against Cameroon last Saturday.

The good news is that Mick McCarthy looks like he’s

That's more like it! Ireland equalize in injury time
decided Steve’s the man for the role on the right flank, replacing a below par Jason McAteer in the second half of the Cameroon game. Finnan had a solid 45 minutes and Ireland looked far better than in the first half with the balance and drive he brought to the team - in the process earning themselves a well deserved and priceless 1-1 draw.

After their highly impressive display against Germany, it looks like Finnan and Co. could well be on their way to the next round. A win against the abysmal Saudi’s and anything but a draw in the Cameroon v Germany game will see the Republic through to the knockout stages - where they will likely face either Paraguay or Spain.

So good luck to the Irish team, (although hopefully they won’t be needing it!), and of course the same to the English players on Friday.

As for Steve Finnan, it’s good to see him doing so well and I’m sure no one would deny that he has earned it. We just hope that he remembers the Magpies when he’s flying high in the upper echelons of footballing stardom!

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