Just four months before his 40th birthday, Wes Hoolahan will turn out for Cambridge United against the worlds richest club, Newcastle United.
The League One club will take on Newcastle United at St James' Park in the FA cup on Saturday.
Dublin native Hoolahan was born in May 1982 and began his career with Shelbourne before making the switch to Blackpool.
He then joined Norwich City from Blackpool on a three-year agreement on June 26, 2008, becoming Glenn Roeder's second signing of the 2008 pre-season. Norwich had triggered a release clause in Hoolahan's contract in order to sign him for £250,000.
It was at the Canaries that Hoolahan would play the best football of his career, turning out 352 times for the club and scoring 54 goals between 2008 and 2018.
Hoolahan scored Norwich's first goal in the 2011/12 Premier League campaign and finished that season with 37 appearances and five goals as the club finished 12th in the League.
“Little Wessi is leaving Norwich, the greatest player Norwich have had in my opinion.10 derby days and no defeats, top that," words from Grant Holt as Hoolahan left the club to join West Bromwich Albion on a short-term deal.
The 39-year-old signed for current club Cambridge United in 2020 and signed a new deal last June as the U's gained promotion to League 1.
In November he played against Rotherham and the opposing side's fans clapped the Irishman off the pitch after a fantastic display.
Speaking on Hoolahan that day, Cambridge boss Mark Bonner said: “I think it’s the first time I’ve seen one of our players applauded off by the opposition’s fans when he came off the pitch.”
“Even now at 39, against the top teams [in League One], he’s a top, top player and we’re really lucky to have him.
“Delighted with his impact in the team and around the place. He’s just a dream to work with and hopefully he can continue giving us what he gave us at the weekend as many times as possible.”
He has played 13 times for the club this year.
Hoolahan earned his first Ireland appearance under Giovanni Trapattoni in 2008.
He made 43 senior appearances for Ireland before announcing his retirement in February 2018.
Newcastle United’s FA Cup third round tie against Cambridge United is set to be a sell-out.
The Magpies will host the League One club at the weekend and it is set to be a sell-out with less than 500 tickets available for home supporters at St James Park.
The U's will also be backed by a sizable travelling presence, with almost 4,500 of the 5,000 tickets allowed for the tie already sold.
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