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WATCH: Steve Staunton's career highlights (and lowlights)

As he gets set to join Sunderland as a scout, we recall the Irish legend’s most memorable moments.

STEVE STAUNTON HAS had a memorable career to say the least, both as a player and a manager.

With news that the Drogheda man is to be given a scouting role at Sunderland, we thought we’d revisit the pinnacle moments – both good and bad – of his career to date…

1986-1991: Staunton began his career at Liverpool, after he was signed for £20,000, having spent a season playing for Dundalk. He enjoyed five successful years there, winning the league title and partaking in a number of memorable games, including the one below:

1994: Despite being the youngest member of Jack Charlton’s 1990 World Cup side, he played in all of Ireland’s matches, as the team went all the way to the quarter-finals. He also played every game in the 1994 World Cup, including their memorable 1-0 opening game win over Italy (see below).

1991-1998: Staunton was sold to Aston Villa for £1.1 million, where he quickly established himself as a fan favourite, playing an important role in the 92-93 season, when they narrowly missed out on winning the first-ever Premier League trophy, eventually finishing second to Man United. He also chipped in with the occasional spectacular goal, such as the effort below:

1998-2005: Now operating in a less attacking role, Staunton’s the twilight years of Staunton’s playing career included further spells at Liverpool and Aston Villa, in addition to Crystal Place, Coventry and Wasall. However, it was his role marshaling Ireland’s back four in the 2002 World Cup that arguably provided the most memorable moments from this period of his career:

2006-2007: A year after his playing days ended, he took charge of the Irish team, in an ill-fated spell that encompassed the infamous 5-2 loss against Cyprus (see below). He also endured a torrid time with the media, as they constantly ridiculed his team selections and mocked his liberal use of the word ‘magnificent’ in interviews.

2008-2010: Following a brief period as assistant manager of Leeds United and as a scout for Wolves, Staunton took over as manager of struggling League Two side Darlington. Again, Staunton failed to make much of an impact as manager, winning just four out of 23 matches before being sacked.

Read – Irish Eye: Long on song for the second week running>

Read – Eurostar: Bavarian unrest and a killer bicycle kick>

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