Former Liverpool Hero Could Have Played For Northern Ireland

I could have played for Northern Ireland, says Kop legend Walsh

Walsh will be in N. Ireland in the summer for part of the Legends XI tour which will see former Liverpool and Manchester United heroes playing at different venues around the Country over the space of a week.

Given Walsh's family history you could say that he is returning home.

In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph the ex-England player told how his dad was born and bred in Belfast.

"Yes, my dad Samuel Dominic Ignatius Walsh was born in Belfast before moving over to London when he was young," said Walsh, renowned for his excellent skill and flowing locks when he played for Charlton, Luton, Liverpool, Spurs, Portsmouth and Manchester City.

Now, 45, he added: "I could have actually qualified to play for Northern Ireland. I could also have qualified to play for the Republic due to family links.

"But I saw himself as an Englishman and wanted to play for England. It's just a pity that I only ended up with five caps.

"In London as a kid I played alongside people like Andy Townsend and Tony Cascarino, who couldn't get in the England side, and they chose to play for the Republic and ended up winning loads more caps than me and having great international experiences.

"I'd loved to have played more for England but it wasn't to be."