FORMER England striker Stan Collymore has told Martin O’Neill: “You should’ve signed me for Celtic”.
The double-act worked together at Leicester City and the charismatic attack leader, now a media pundit with Russian TV as well as a columnist for a Sunday tabloid, let the ex-Hoops boss know how he felt when they caught up for an interview before the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup play-off against Denmark tonight.
Collymore frequently admits his fondness for the champions during his work as a pundit.
The ex-Liverpool ace was asked by O’Neill if he spoke Russian and he replied: “I could teach you a bit.”
The international gaffer returned: “You taught me a lot, Stan. Some of the things are unrepeatable. You taught me how to live.”
Having answered the former hitman’s questions, O’Neill turned to Collymore and added: “He was actually a very good player for us until you broke a leg.
“Remember that hat-trick against Sunderland? You and Heskey up front.”
Collymore said: “I remember it well. You should have taken me to Celtic, mind. But never mind. Maybe in the next lifetime.”
O’Neill said: “In the next lifetime? I think I’ll see that next lifetime before you. Long before you.”
The Irishman spent five successful years at Parkhead as he guided the Bhoys to three league titles, three Scottish Cups and a League Cup.
This evening’s crucial tie against the Danes is on a knife-edge with the first game ending in a goalless draw in Copenhagen.
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