Junior Russell is a well-known figure in Donegal soccer circles, and has had a lot of success in recent years as joint-manager of Glencar Celtic.
Before he stepped into management, he was a fine player and represented Finn Harps Reserves and Letterkenny Rovers with distinction.
Russell has this week picked the best 11 (4-4-2) he has faced over his career, with honourable mentions for Kevin Rafferty, Timmy Burke, and Mark ‘Mush’ Curran.
Lee White: Lee was not the tallest guy to be a ‘keeper but he didn’t let too many goals in past him in all the games I played against him. Not many people might know that he was a great penalty taker himself but his teammates probably wouldn’t let him hit any because if he scored, they would never hear the end of it!
John Keeney: John was a talented player for Letterkenny Rovers, and on his day ‘Minger’ was simply a class act.
John Keeney.
Ruairi Kelly: Ruairi was another strong player for Letterkenny Rovers. He was as good on the ground with ball as he was class in the air. He was always good for a goal too.
Arthur Lynch: Arthur was a leader on the pitch and off the pitch for Fanad United. A no nonsense defender.
Marty McAteer: Marty was another excellent player for Fanad, and I don’t know if he knew how to have a bad game, and what a striker of a dead ball he was too.
Liam Callaghan: It was impossible to get ball off Liam when we played Kildrum or even get close to him. He could play with both feet. ‘Burdy’ is some man.
Liam Callaghan on the ball.
Anthony Gorman: Anthony had a brilliant career and played with a host of clubs. He was just at a different level when I played against him, and had the most professional attitude I ever saw. What a player.
Marty McGinley: Marty also played for too many clubs to list out, but he was a top class midfielder as well.
Paddy McDaid: Paddy was the most naturally gifted player I ever saw. I tried in many matches just to kick him, but he was always too quick!
Paddy McDaid.
Darren Kelly: ‘Sharna’ was a really good striker for Letterkenny Rovers when I was playing with Harps. He was a goal machine.
Stevie Collins: Stevie was another excellent forward for Rovers. Chat about a man who gave everything for his jersey.
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Junior Russell gives us an insight into the Glencar Celtic dressing room