Liverpool legend left 'embarrassed' after x-rated touchline tirade before becoming unlikely hero

With no World Cup to look forward to until the winter, the only football that can be consumed from now until the start of the season is memories of tournaments gone by.

It's 28 years to the day since the Republic of Ireland faced Mexico in a group stage match in the United States at the World Cup of 1994 - a tournament that England had failed to qualify for.

But a number of players who had either played for or would go on to represent Liverpool were to be found in Jack Charlton's Republic of Ireland squad, with Jason McAteer, Phil Babb, Ray Houghton, Steve Staunton and John Aldridge all involved. And it is the latter who ended up having the most significant involvement in this match - both on and off the pitch.

Ireland had got their campaign off to a brilliant start, beating one of the favourites Italy 1-0 thanks to a goal from Houghton. But their second match against the Mexicans represented an altogether different challenge. Played at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, the bright sparks at FIFA decided that it would be a good idea to play a summertime fixture in America's sunshine state at midday. Although Disneyland is based in Florida, it was never confirmed if Micky Mouse had been in charge of scheduling for the fixture.

And whereas the Mexicans were quite used to knocking a ball about in 90 degree+ heat, Ireland's ageing squad knew they were in for a tough afternoon in sweltering conditions and so it proved.

Taking full advantage of the situation, the South Americans took a 1-0 lead thanks to a late first-half goal from Luis Garcia. Ireland boss Charlton needed to alter the course of the game and decided to throw on McAteer and Aldridge - who by now was banging the goals in for Tranmere Rovers - in the pursuit of