The five best moments of Wes Hoolahan's career
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The five best moments of Wes Hoolahan's career

WES HOOLAHAN will undeniably go down as one of Ireland's greatest ever footballing talents.

But, despite his greatness, we will always feel like he should have done more in a green jersey.

This is through no fault of his own. Managers were slow to pick him, despite his clear ability, and we as a country paid the price as a result.

But to celebrate his 39th birthday, we're remembering the five best moments of his career.

Sweden

Well we're obviously going to start with this, aren't we? Hoolahan's goal against Sweden sent the entire country wild, as he put us a goal up and we all began to collectively dream that we might win the Euros.

It was a gorgeous goal on his week foot, and his celebration showed exactly what it meant to him. All those days playing ball on the streets of Dublin led to this moment. The stuff of dreams.

Italy

Just days later, we saw just the type of man Hoolahan is.

He missed an absolute sitter against Italy at 0-0 to put ensure that we would qualify from the group stages into the Round of 16. Heartbreak.

But his head didn't drop. Instead, he picked the ball up out wide and delivered an absolutely gorgeous ball into the box, which Robbie Brady headed home.

We were through.

EFL Team of the Decade 

A few years ago, Hoolahan was voted into the EFL Team of the Decade, alongside superstars such as Gareth Bale and Kasper Schmeichel.

He achieved three promotions – from League 1 with both Blackpool and Norwich City and then from the Championship with the Canaries.

He is still seen as a Norwich legend, and is remembered fondly at every club he ever played with.

Going up with Cambridge this year

Hoolahan, aged 38, absolutely tore League 2 apart this season.

He played a massive part in Cambridge getting promoted, and was selected in the team of the season for his troubles.

Back at the start of April, a bonkers stat emerged showing just how crucial the Dubliner was to Cambridge's side.

At his age, Wessi only plays at the weekend, as playing two games a week is not an option. Since Saint Stephen's Day, on Saturdays, his team Cambridge had played 14 times. The results? 11 wins, three draws.

In the midweek games, in which Wes had not played, they have won one, and lost five

His final game with Norwich 

Not many players get to leave the club they love, by choice, but also with the support of all the fans. Wessi got just that.

But not only did he get an incredible sendoff, with thousands of fans, and players from both teams embracing him, but he also bagged himself a goal and a trademark assist.

Happy Birthday Wes!