Ireland, as an island, have consistently produced some top quality footballing talent. It didn't just start with Ferguson.
From Blanchflower and Best to Roy and Robbie Keane. Keepers like Jennings, Bonner and now Bazunu and Kelleher.
Players like Niall Quinn, Richard Dunne, Stephen Ireland, Shay Given, Glenn Whelan, Kevin Horlock, Steve Lomas, Terry Phelan, Damien Duff, Steve Finnan, Shane Long, Dennis Irwin, Seamus Coleman, Paul McGrath, Matt Doherty, James McCarthy, John O'Shea, Johnny Evans, Kevin Kilbane, Steve Staunton, Aiden McGeady and Nathan Collins prove there is a constant stream of PL level players - with occasional world-class talents.