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Two unlikely players feature alongside Leo Messi on the Irish cover of Fifa 16

Even Andy Boyle and Ciaran O’Connor might be a little surprised by their inclusions.

FIFA 16, THE latest edition of the top football computer game from EA Sports, hits shelves across Ireland tomorrow.

For the fourth consecutive year, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi will appear on covers but the Argentine star is joined by other players depending on what part of the world you’re in.

The selection is done by a voting process. For instance, Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann is France, Borussia Dortmund attacker Shinji Kagawa makes the Japanese cover and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson features in the UK.

In recent years, the game’s makers have also produced a downloadable League of Ireland edition, with over 80,000 votes coming in from fans.

The results might surprise a few.

FIFA16 LOI cover

While LOI fans might predict the likes of Richie Towell (Dundalk), Christy Fagan (St Patric’s Athletic), Daryl Horgan (Dundalk) or even new arrival Damien Duff (Shamrock Rovers) to feature, it is Dundalk defender Andy Boyle and 19-year-old Derry City striker Ciaran O’Connor, on loan from the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division champions until the end of the season, who are rubbing shoulders with Messi.

Here are some of the others:

UK and Ireland (Jordan Henderson)

Messi Hendo

Italy (Mauro Icardi)

messi icardi Jamie O'Connell Jamie O'Connell

Brazil (Oscar)

Messi Oscar

The US (Alex Morgan)

Alex Morgan Messi

 

Japan (Shinji Kagawa)

Messi Kagawa

The SSE Airtricity League FIFA 16 sleeve can be downloaded at easports.com from tomorrow 24 September on all formats, including Xbox One® and PlayStation 4® packs. Fans can also pick up their copy in-store with this exclusive cover appearing on shelves in hmv Xtra-vision Dundalk.

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