Ireland won’t be at this summer’s World Cup, but the former USA goalkeeper remembers their 1994 appearance.
Former USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel has described one of his old Irish teammates as “our Ryan Giggs.”
Friedel spent almost two decades in the Premier League, chalking up almost 500 appearances for Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
During that time he lined out with a handful of Irish stars, including Richard Dunne, Jason McAteer, Phil Babb, Mark Kennedy, Jeff Kenna, Jonathan Douglas, Alan Kelly and Steven Reid.
But one player stood out above the rest. Friedel spent three seasons at Ewood Park with Damien Duff.
Speaking with Belfast Live via Gambling.com where users find top-rated Irish casinos, the Ohio-born star said: “I played with a few, but the best Irish player I played with was Damien Duff. I thought he was our Ryan Giggs.
“He was incredible for Blackburn during my time there and his performances were up there with the best wingers in the Premier League at that time for sure. That is how good he was.”
Friedel played three times against Ireland during his 82-cap USA career. He was involved in the US squad the last time the World Cup was held Stateside, when Jack Charlton’s Boys in Green made it to the last-16.
Ireland won’t be involved this time around. A penalty shootout defeat to Czechia in Prague ended their play-off hopes.
According to Friedel: “The fans more than the teams I think will be missed. The Irish fans are brilliant wherever they are and if they were to play in Boston or New York then the streets would be full of green.
“It would be a brilliant atmosphere and one the USA will miss out on as I know how great the Irish fans can be. They would have brought a fantastic fun environment to the States.”
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