Mick McCarthy credits "gentleman" Billy McNeill with putting him on the road to his rollercoaster journey with Ireland.
Now in his second stint as national team boss, the teak-tough former Captain Fantastic was first picked for service by the Republic after McNeill bought him for Man City on May 5.
“It did make a difference," said a saddened McCarthy this week after learning of McNeill's passing at the age of 82.
"Because I was still in the same league - I was in the old second division. I don’t think I was playing any better for City than I did for Barnsley.
"But I was at City, a bigger club with a bigger profile and that helped me get in here.
“He was a gentleman. Very bright, very open and honest, straight forward. I always found him, great company. Everyone loved his company. He filled a room, if he walked in, you didn’t have to see him, you knew he was there. He had that aura about him.
"He didn’t sign me for Celtic, it was Davie Hay but I had a great two years under him, won the double and won the cup. I loved him big Billy, I fought with him like cat and dog at times but always had the ultimate respect for him.
"I loved him, a great guy."
McNeill, of course, captained the Lisbon Lions to European Cup glory in 1967 as Celtic made history. A remarkable achievement.
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McCarthy added: "He just stands as one of the biggest legends Celtic ever had. And then of course to go on and manage them, we won the double in 87-88 season. In the Centenary year.
"He went back and did it as a manager so he was kind of lauded there."
The veteran Ireland manager is certain that he adopted some of McNeill's approach to management when he took the plunge into that line of work himself.
“I’m sure I did, and I’m sure I didn’t take some of the things he did as well," he said.
"I feel we all do, take little bits that we want to do.
"He was a real leader. Everybody knew him. When he walked in, everybody knew he was there.
"I thought he was very well organised, a good coach, everything I would respect as a manager. He treated people well.
“I was desperately sad to hear the news although I know he has been unwell for a number of years. I met him and his wife Liz in Glasgow a few years ago and he was struggling then, in terms of memory, and Liz was looking after him.
"But I’m sure he’s deteriorated since then until his passing. It was desperately sad".
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