The Premier League’s top-scoring Irishmen
There has always been a strong contingency of Irish footballers plying their trade in the Premier League, and some of the league’s most iconic names have been exports from the Emerald Isle. There have also been some stellar goalscorers from Ireland who have scored their fair share in the English top flight, so we’ve had a look at the top five, who have all helped their sides become better picks in the football betting over the years. Read on, as we count down these Irish goal-getters.
5. Jonathan Walters (43 goals)
In at number five is a player Stoke City fans will remember with particular fondness. Jonathan Walters became a stalwart for the Potters during his time at the club, and scored his fare share of goals, notching 43 in total. Walters earned his reputation as a dogged forward at Ipswich Town, and after moving to Stoke in 2010 he showcased his qualities on the highest stage English football has to offer, all while bagging key goals for the Republic of Ireland too.
4. Damien Duff (54 goals)
A member of José Mourinho’s Chelsea team, which enjoyed so much success in the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, Damien Duff was a hard-working winger who had a significant degree of flair too. ‘Duffer’ recorded 54 goals in his time in the Premier League, during stints with Blackburn (where he made his name), Chelsea, Newcastle United and Fulham.
3. Shane Long (55 goals)
While the goals have largely dried up for Shane Long in recent seasons, it’s worth remembering that he was once quite a prolific striker, once scoring 25 goals in a single Championship season. In the Premier League, he has proved himself able to hit double figures in a campaign during his spells with the Royals, West Bromwich Albion, Hull City and Southampton. Now into his seventh season at St Mary’s, Long is only a squad player, but he makes his presence felt now and then with performances that hark back to his days as one of the league’s most dangerous strikers.
2. Niall Quinn (59 goals)
It’s no surprise to see Niall Quinn towards the top of the list, and most Premier League fans remember his partnership with Kevin Phillips at Sunderland with huge fondness. Quinn brought a tall, physical presence the frontline, contrasting with the more diminutive figure of Phillips. Also a hero at Manchester City for his contributions there, Quinn was a striker who could always be relied upon to put himself about and finish a chance if it came his way.
1. Robbie Keane (126 goals)
Clear at the top of the Irish Premier League scorers list is Robbie Keane, who notched a remarkable 126 goals during his time at Coventry City, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, West Ham United and Aston Villa. In a wide-ranging career, Keane enjoyed his best days at Tottenham, where he is considered one of the club’s modern cult heroes. He was a pacy, intelligent striker, who caused nightmares for opposition defenders with his smart movement and blistering finishing.
