AT 32, WALTERS is in the form of his life plying his trade in the Premier League with Stoke City but he spent time at 10 different clubs in English football prior to his move to the Potters in 2010.
Press Association
Press Association
2. His commitment to the green jersey
Walters was immense throughout the Euro 2016 qualification — making 10 appearances in a number of positions and chipping in with five goals.
Having missed the play-off first leg through suspension, Walters returned to the starting line-up and scored both goals in a 2-0 win at the Aviva Stadium.
Cometh the hour…
8. The way he celebrated qualification
First, he gave an emotional interview to RTE’s Tony O’Donoghue after the final whistle.
Walters, whose late mother is from Dublin, had his wife and children as well as aunties, uncles and cousins along to the crucial home leg against Bosnia.
Here he is speaking to them on the phone after the game — still wearing his full kit and with a bottle of beer in-hand.
10 reasons why Jon Walters is an Irish sporting hero
1. He has had to work hard to get to the top
AT 32, WALTERS is in the form of his life plying his trade in the Premier League with Stoke City but he spent time at 10 different clubs in English football prior to his move to the Potters in 2010.
2. His commitment to the green jersey
Walters was immense throughout the Euro 2016 qualification — making 10 appearances in a number of positions and chipping in with five goals.
That iconic image of him holding off two German players in the corner as the final seconds ticked down has even been immortalised as a t-shirt design.
3. He’s got a sense of humour
Anyone who follows Walters on Twitter will know he enjoys a laugh — often at former team-mate Robert Huth’s expense.
He tweeted this after Raheem Sterling rejected a big-money deal from Liverpool earlier this year.
4. He’s a fan favourite
Some are willing to go further than others to show their appreciation for the Trojan effort he puts in on the pitch.
5. And a hero to the youth of today
Here’s Stoke City fan dressed as Super Johnny Walters.
And the children of Gaelscoil Thulach na nÓg in Dunboyne paying tribute.
6. His Movember effort from a few years ago
Magnificent.
7. The two goals against Bosnia-Herzegovina
Having missed the play-off first leg through suspension, Walters returned to the starting line-up and scored both goals in a 2-0 win at the Aviva Stadium.
Cometh the hour…
8. The way he celebrated qualification
First, he gave an emotional interview to RTE’s Tony O’Donoghue after the final whistle.
Then Walters, David Meyler and Robbie Brady grabbed a selfie with Irish president Michael D Higgins in the dressing room.
9. He’s a family man
Walters, whose late mother is from Dublin, had his wife and children as well as aunties, uncles and cousins along to the crucial home leg against Bosnia.
Here he is speaking to them on the phone after the game — still wearing his full kit and with a bottle of beer in-hand.
Legend.
10. And a leader of men
With Sweden, Belgium and Italy all to come next June, Ireland are undoubtedly up against it in Group E.
Walters played a bit-part at Euro 2012 but he is sure to be one of the first names on the team sheet in France.
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