For the Irish footballers who go abroad to try and build a career, the UK has tended to be the main destination.

Whether it be in England's top flight or north of Hadrian's Wall in Scotland, clubs at all levels have had, and continue to staff, Irish talent.

What is less common however, is the prospect of moving further afield to the leagues on the European continent.

There are high-profile exceptions of course. Liam Brady's decade in Italy, including trophy wins with Juventus, stands out particularly for the longevity.

Robbie Keane, of course had a short stint with Inter Milan 20 years ago, Aiden McGeady spent time at Spartak Moscow and Cillian Sheridan has traversed many countries as a professional, while current Republic of Ireland and Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne is another who enjoyed a promising loan spell with SC Cambuur in the Netherlands.

There are other notable examples, while some other Irishmen came close to moving to the continent like Niall Quinn, who still has some regrets that a deal with Sporting Lisbon fell through (before Phil Babb made the move later), Gary Breen and Richard Dunne, who attracted the interest of Inter Milan and Malaga respectively.

But let's hear from some of those who did experience life further afield. First up in our new series is Ireland's former record goalscorer Frank Stapleton, whose maiden experience beyond English football was with Ajax in 1987.