Jack Charlton & a train driver - How Steve Bruce almost played for Republic of Ireland at USA '94

[@happy_camper]

Honestly that was a fantastic Jack Charlton impression. I could really hear him saying that.

[@moc7323]

Jack was brilliant.. loved and missed by Ireland 🇮🇪

[@newstreetbridge834]

One of the best to have never had an international cap

[@rampageclover9788]

Bruce and McGrath in the back would’ve been lethal

[@conorsmith8551]

Irwin, bruce, mcgrath, Staunton would have been an unreal back 4

[@barryb90]

McGrath and Bruce at the back would have been a great combo to be fair.

[@kb5509]

Not sure. A back 2 with a combined age of 67 and 1 good knee between the pair of them. Overmars and Bryan Roy would be salivating at the prospect of running past these 2 on the end of Bergkamp and Koeman through balls.

[@barryb90]

@@kb5509 McGrath wasn't well the day of the Italy game and still played Roberto and Dino Baggio off the park and won against an Italian team that got to the final and Bruce was a hell of a lot better than Mick McCarthy.

[@kb5509]

@@barryb90 not saying he wasn't a great defender, the point is he was creaking and him and Bruce as the back 2 is wide open for exploitation against quick players. Italy weren't a pacey team, which suited him just fine. They had Baggio, who equally had no knees, and Casiraghi, who wasn't particularly quick. Mick McCarthy didn't go to USA 94, McGrath was playing next to Phil Babb, a quick 23 year old that could make up for McGrath's pace and knees. Against the Dutch with the 2 best short and long passing players in football and probably the quickest winger in football, 2 older bruising centre halves aren't as well suited as 1, plus a quick on the ground defender.

[@barryb90]

@@kb5509 That's right, good man. Thanks for the correction.

[@nigefal]

@@kb5509 Look up USA 94 McGrath v Italy. Positional sense fantastic always in correct spot at the right time.

[@rigsby1454]

Should have played for ROI. McGrath Bruce would have been some partnership

[@ggmm6182]

He wasn't Irish

[@wharsmetoothpicson9465]

@@ggmm6182 HIs mother was. By that logic Aldridge, Cascarino and Houghton shouldn't have been playing for them.

[@minimumwage2millionaire]

​@@ggmm6182Irish and English blood.

[@penaltygallery]

Real reason was before Good Friday agreement having a parent (or grandparent) from Northern Ireland wouldn't have made you eligible for Republic of Ireland

[@chrisfallon9678]

Got to admit this was or is a great story .I thought Stevie Bruce for a period of time was a very good traditional old fashioned centre half .

[@Tashmaster3000]

Period of time? He captained united to 2 doubles...scored 2 title winning headers in another season...absolute legend of a player

[@billybigtime2808]

He was consistent the whole time he was at United a leader and a inspirational captain and man

[@Karl_with_a_K]

Brucie, it's never too late! Come play for us now!! 🤣☘

[@wharsmetoothpicson9465]

Between April 94 and December 95 Utd conceded only 10 league goals at OT. Bruce was more than a very good centre half.

[@tobyward6094]

Get well soon chris kamara ♥️

[@MALEXI10]

He's an Ulster Scot and he represented The Republic of Ireland 😂

[@nigefal]

Progress!

[@RB-NZ2]

Ireland would have won the World Cup with Bruce and McGrath at the back

[@kevb6597]

But where would have Phil Babb played ? up front with Tommy Coyne lol

[@daveanthat4191]

36, 46, 56 why would you turn down a cap?

[@dpj1]

Would have felt like a charity case

[@timjones6204]

steve bruce should have played for ireland, stuff england.

[@woohoohaha7607]

Irish Isles correct 🇮🇪 England Wales and Scotland and Northern Ireland are part of the Irish Isles 🇮🇪

[@thomasrichards3760]

How's the nepotism did ye say?

[@aaront9778]

wow

[@Chadleyization]

shouldn't be 2 different countries though ...

[@Buckblacket]

Decent pro as a player but a terrible manager.

[@alexsaynor6717]

Despite his promotions etc yeah?

[@Buckblacket]

@@alexsaynor6717 yeah and what does the etc represent, his relegations? 😆

[@alexsaynor6717]

@@Buckblacket He's had two relegations - getting relegated happens to a lot of people; doesn't define you or make you an appalling manager. He's had more success than relegations but I imagine you put the promotions down to pure fluke or something.

[@Buckblacket]

@@alexsaynor6717 I'm a Newcastle fan and we couldn't wait to see the back of him. The standard and style of football under Bruce was appalling. Ask any Villa fan the same question and they'll agree because they couldn't wait to see the back of him either. West Brom fans aren't exactly thrilled with him at the moment are they? There's a reason for that, he's a tactical dinosaur and that's being polite!