Reading manager Paul Ince has paid tribute to former Irish defender Denis Irwin, hailing him as one of the greatest ever full backs.
Ince and Irwin played together for a number of years at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson in the early '90s. The pair one a slew of domestic titles as the Red Devils became the dominant force in the early years of the Premier League.
Ince departed United in 1995 while Irwin remained at the club for another seven years. When the Irishman departed Manchester in 2002, he joined Wolves where he reconnected with his former teammate Ince.
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In total, the pair spent seven seasons together as teammates. 19 years on from when they were last teammates, the level of respect 'The Guv'nor' has for the Corkman remains undiminished.
"Dennis Irwin was one of the best full-backs there's ever been," Ince exclusively told Boylesports Premier League Odds.
"Everyone looks at the goalscorers in teams but beneath that, Dennis was one of the best in the world for me."
In his pomp, Irwin was one of the best attacking full-backs on the planet. His set-piece prowess and eye for a goal were legendary, with the 56 times capped Ireland international scoring 43 goals from full-back.
Despite this, Ince still feels as though the Irishman never gets the recognition he deserves.
"He very rarely got beat and we both ended up going down to Wolves together," added Ince. "His professionalism and what he gave to the team was vital.
"We ended up getting promoted that year and a lot of that was down to Dennis Irwin.
"He never really gets the accolades he deserves but for me, he was one of the greatest ever."
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