TalkSport Radio - Ray Houghton

Glaswegian-born Ray Houghton was always going to make it big as a footballer, despite his size, and lists playing international football as one of his proudest achievements.Yes, the Republic of Ireland legend is as Irish as teammate Andy Townsend and punches you in the belly if you dare question the fact he wasn’t born there.Seriously, Ray is to Ireland what petrol is to BP and can boast two successful World Cup campaigns under Jack Charlton’s stewardship in 1990 and 1994.I reckon Ray’s finest moment was indeed in the 1994 finals in the USA when he scored a spectacular goal, lobbing goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca, to record a 1-0 win over Italy in their first group game. Ray, however, thinks differently. Ray enjoyed a hugely successful playing career which ensured he’s welcomed back at West Ham, Fulham, Oxford, Liverpool – where his local trophy cabinet maker earned a very good living – Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Reading and Stevenage Borough. His stint at Anfield saw him collect two league championships and two FA Cups, while he also enjoyed League Cup success with Oxford in 1986 and Aston Villa in 1994.Those of us lucky enough to see Ray play will all agree his work rate was phenomenal, which is probably why he stays in bed and doesn’t come into work until 7pm now.