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Newcastle United: For St. Patty’s Day, five of the top Irish NUFC players ever

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland defender and BBC Radio pundit, John Anderson gives a wave before the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park on May 15, 2016 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland defender and BBC Radio pundit, John Anderson gives a wave before the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park on May 15, 2016 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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With today being St. Patrick’s Day, we will take a look at five of the top Irish players to suit up for Newcastle United.

Each year, March 17th marks St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday honoring the patron saint of Ireland, you guessed it, Saint Patrick. There have been a lot of Irish players that have had a big impact on Newcastle United. Currently, they have Rob Elliot, Ciaran Clark, and Daryl Murphy, who have all appeared for the Irish national team. Let’s take a look at five of the top Irish players for the Magpies over the years:

Mick Martin

The only, on record, Irish player to ever serve as captain of Newcastle United, Mick Martin spent more than five years with the club. The midfielder played in almost 150 matches for Newcastle. He also spent time as part of the backroom staff for the Magpies.

Billy McCracken

Hailing from Northern Ireland, Billy McCracken was a Newcastle United player for twenty years. He totaled 432 matches, and eight goals with NUFC. He was so influential in his playing days, that they changed the offside rule, mainly due to his play as a defender.

HULL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 03: Shay Given of Newcastle applauds the fans at the start of the FA cup sponsored by E.on third round match between Hull City and Newcastle United at The KC Stadium on January 03, 2009 in Hull, England. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
HULL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 03: Shay Given of Newcastle applauds the fans at the start of the FA cup sponsored by E.on third round match between Hull City and Newcastle United at The KC Stadium on January 03, 2009 in Hull, England. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Newcastle United via Getty Images) /

Shay Given

One of the greatest goalkeepers in Newcastle United history, Shay Given spent twelve years at Tyneside. He appeared in over 350 league matches, twice being named to the Premier League Team of the Year. Given also has over 130 caps with the Irish national team.

Alf McMichael

A left back from Belfast, Alfred, or Alf, McMichael appeared in over 400 matches in his Newcastle United career. He was considered an elite defender in England during his stay with the Magpies.

Next: What happened vs. Fulham, and what now?

John Anderson

A popular player in his decade of service to Newcastle, the fullback played in more than 330 matches. He’s also served on the commentary for BBC Newcastle.

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