Former Republic of Ireland manager Jack Charlton pictured with former player Paul McGrath at the international game involving England and Ireland in June 2015.
INPHO/RYAN BYRNE
Paul McGrath has paid tribute to his “father figure” Jack Charlton for saving his international career. Speaking to Des Cahill on RTE radio last week, it was put to McGrath that the former Republic of Ireland manager had had given him “one or two” chances.
‘‘Once or twice? He gave me a second, third and a fourth chance to play for the team. He was a mentor, a father figure for me. Jack was brilliant with me,’’ McGrath said. The 60 year-old former Irish defender, who now lives in Wexford , said he never wanted to leave Manchester United for Aston Villa.
McGrath said: ‘‘I asked for a rise and wanted to be on wages that would be comparable with some of the top players at United. I went in to Sir Alex and asked for a little bit more in my wage packet. I never asked to leave Manchester United. There were articles in the papers saying I wanted to leave the club. I never said that, all I asked was for a rise. I made up with Fergie later, there is no bitterness there.’’
-- Sean Creedon
