The year's pick of the boys in green

The following is an Irish team of the season. It is a personal selection. It is made up of players in England from both sides of the Irish Border - it has, in the phrase of the Belfast poet W R Rodgers, "a foot in both graves" - and while not a manifesto for a new united Ireland football team, that development would hardly signal the end of civilisation. After all, long before and after the foundation of the Republic, a 32-county team called "Ireland" played its internationals at Windsor Park. Anyway, for formation purposes, think 3-5-2. As they said in Spain in 1982 and Germany in 1988, "Here we go".

Goalkeeper - Dean Kiely (Charlton Athletic): Excellent season at First Division champions and, it is easy to forget, Kiely's first at The Valley. Bought by Alan Curbishley for £1 million from Bury last May, Kiely (29), has made the jump to international level comfortably. With 15 clean sheets in the league, Kiely is now a serious contender for the Republic's number one jersey with Shay Given and Alan Kelly. Wigan's Roy Carroll and Tranmere's Joe Murphy have also impressed.

Defence - Denis Irwin (Man United): Maybe not his best season, but still good enough. Easily. As Alex Ferguson said: "Although he's lost a yard of pace, because he was so lightening quick as a young lad, he's still the best defender in the game. Two feet, balance, experience."

Gerry Taggart (Leicester City): Reformed, reborn, re-everything, "big Gerry" has been big all year at the club which continues to overachieve. Taggart (29), has played no small role alongside Matt Elliott and, like Elliott, can score goals - seven. Back as captain of Sammy McIlroy's Northern Ireland side after the McMenemy exile, Taggart will be playing in Europe next season.

Ian Harte (Leeds United): The last few games, featuring two fairly foolish red cards, should not disguise the fact that Harte has been one of Leeds' most dependable players. "I haven't seen a better left back," said Eddie Gray, Leeds' coach. "Ian has worked very hard on his fitness and his game has shown a big improvement." Eight goals makes Harte Leeds' fourth highest scorer. In PFA team of the year.

Midfield - Gary Kelly (Leeds United): For the purposes of shoehorning players into this team, Kelly would be right wing-back. Hardly a problem for someone of his speed. After a year out with shin splints, Kelly returned in September and has missed just four of Leeds' 47 games since. Danny Mills, bought for £4 million from Charlton last June, must be wondering what hit him. Kelly was also in PFA team of the year.

Neil Lennon (Leicester City): Martin O'Neill says he sighs with relief and satisfaction when Lennon takes possession. Another imposing season from the Lurgan 28-year-old. Committed in the tackle and so rarely gives the ball away. Roy Keane (Man United): Players' and Writers' Footballer of the Year. Little more to be said. Captain every time.

Stephen McPhail (Leeds United): Just 20, last April McPhail was playing for the Republic in the World Youth Championships. Now, after a bold first season of regular Premiership football, McPhail is surely not far from holding down a place in the full Republic side as one of its principal creative influences. Has scored only twice for Leeds, both in the 2-0 win at Chelsea. One was a beauty. McPhail has arrived.

Peter Kennedy (Watford): Like McPhail and Harte, Kennedy has a sweet left foot, though Kennedy is unfortunate in that he has had to try to express it in a team that won just five times before yesterday. Nevertheless, in difficult circumstances Kennedy has persevered and the 26-year-old is ripe for, and deserving of, a move to a bigger club.

Attack - Niall Quinn (Sunderland): Despite the shabby treatment he has received in respect of a new contract, Quinn has had his most effective season of his career. With Kevin Phillips, Sunderland's front two have amassed 44 Premiership goals. Quinn's 14 have included beauties against Man United and Tottenham, and Phillips provided the ultimate compliment when saying he now has to prove himself without Quinn.

Robbie Keane (Coventry City): Still a teenager, but like Quinn a scorer of 14 goals up to yesterday. That tally does not include his superb goal for Wolves at Man City on the opening day of the season. Transferred for £6 million in September and has been justifying the fee ever since. No wonder Ferguson said he should have signed him.

Manager - Martin O'Neill: Pips David O'Leary. Just when the fact that Leicester City are in Europe again is in danger of being forgotten, O'Neill sends out his side to win at Anfield and then hammer Bradford. A relentless, talented man.