13 brilliant times outfielders went in goal: O’Shea, Kane, Radebe & more

Watching an outfielder play as a goalkeeper is one of football’s most puerile joys – and Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Leeds United players have all taken the hit for our personal enjoyment.

Professional footballers normally look like modern-day superheroes with athleticism we can only dream of, at least until one of them is asked to go between the posts.

Here are some memorable examples of outfield players donning a goalkeeper’s kit.

We’re not sure what’s weirder, that O’Shea once scored a chip against Arsenal at Highbury or that he played in goal at White Hart Lane – flapped at crosses, continued making tackles, wore a shirt three times too big for him and laughed at the whole thing?

It's 12 years to the day since John O'Shea pulled on the gloves against Spurs…

We you, Sheasy! #MUFC #OnThisDay pic.twitter.com/K8RXoOilho

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 4, 2019

Neil Warnock is not a fan of using a place on his bench for a back-up goalkeeper, leading to Jagielka standing in on a number of occasions during his Sheffield United days – most memorably in a 1-0 win over Arsenal.

Radebe’s display for Leeds United at Old Trafford only enhanced his legend in West Yorkshire.

READ: A forensic analysis of Lucas Radebe playing in goal against Man Utd

There are certain players you just know are going to stick their hand up in times of need. When Manchester City needed a hero, of course it was Quinn who stepped up to the plate.

Only one solution to Manchester City's potential goalkeeping crisis, and that is Big Niall John Quinn pic.twitter.com/Wni4fIhk4i

— Adam Hurrey (@FootballCliches) August 22, 2018

Ferdinand could not quite match Quinn’s heroics when he had to don the gloves in Manchester United’s FA Cup