9 Greatest Footballers Of All Time (Who Never Went To A World Cup)

Despite only having a slightly higher larger population than Scotland, the Republic of Ireland have begun to eclipse their Celtic brethren in the last couple of decades, having qualified for the last two European Championships. Their last World Cup appearance came back in 2002, which was their third overall after back-to-back qualifications in 1990 and 1994.

By virtue of those qualifications, many of the nation's best players (such as Roy Keane, Ray Houghton and Robbie Keane) all had the chance to wear their country's colours on the biggest stage. Those whose careers predated 1990, however, did not, and the biggest standout from that selection is undoubtedly Liam Brady.

An Arsenal legend, Brady made 235 appearances for the Gunners between 1973 and 1980. He was then poached by Juventus and spent the next seven years making the rounds at several Italian clubs before returning to London to finish his career with West Ham.

Ever present in the Irish side throughout that period, Brady opted to retire from international football after he found himself suspended for Euro '88, the first major tournament that the team had ever reached. He reconsidered his decision when they then made the grade for Italia '90, but manager Jack Charlton turned him down in favour of sticking with the players that had got the team there in the first place. It paid off - Ireland had a respectable run, reaching the quarter finals.