Football legends paid tribute to former international and Premier League footballer Liam Miller following an emotional match held in his memory.

A crowd of almost 43,000 turned out at the fundraising game at Cork’s Pairc Ui Chaoimh for the Liam Miller tribute match.

Teams of Manchester United and combined Republic of Ireland and Celtic legends side drew 2-2, before United prevailed in a penalty shoot-out.

Miller, an ex-Manchester United, Celtic and Republic of Ireland midfielder, died from cancer in February aged 36.

Celtic and Republic of Ireland Legends v Manchester United Legends – Liam Miller Tribute Match – Pairc Ui Chaoimh
Manchester United Legends’ Dion Dublin (right) celebrates scoring the winning penalty in the shoot-out with team-mate John O’Shea (Niall Carson/PA)

The match was held to raise money for charities with his wife Clare and their three children also benefiting.

The Manchester United legends team was managed by Roy Keane and included legends such as Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Dion Dublin.

Martin O’Neill managed the Celtic and Ireland squad which included Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and Kevin Kilbane.

A minute’s silence was held ahead of the match to honour the Cork-born footballer.

Celtic and Republic of Ireland Legends v Manchester United Legends – Liam Miller Tribute Match – Pairc Ui Chaoimh
Manchester United Legends’ Ryan Giggs greats the Celtic and Republic of Ireland Legends team (Niall Carson/PA)

Speaking after the match, Miller’s team-mate and friend John O’Shea described as a “brilliant game”.

He said: “I think when you see the turnout of the people, Liam’s family will really appreciate it as will everyone around Cork.

“The support they have given to this tribute for Liam has been amazing and to take part was a privilege.”

The former Republic of Ireland player added: “The other team gave me a bit of grief saying I should be playing for them in the second half but I did my best to try and help them with a couple of goals.”

Celtic and Republic of Ireland Legends v Manchester United Legends – Liam Miller Tribute Match – Pairc Ui Chaoimh
Celtic and Republic of Ireland Legends and Manchester United Legends teams line up for a minute’s silence (Niall Carson/PA)

He thanked the team of people who organised the match as well as the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) for providing the grounds.

“It is a very special one-off occasion and I think it’s a very fitting tribute to Liam,” he added.

Ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville said: “It’s an incredible stadium and an incredible turnout, it’s wonderful to see.

“I’ve never seen a pitch like it in my life, it was like a farmer’s field, it goes on forever.

“It’s absolutely huge, but it’s a good pitch and the stadium is fantastic, so many people here, it’s a great turnout.”

Irish football legend Andy Reid, who kitted out for his country after retiring from professional football in 2016 said it was a “fun game”.

Celtic and Republic of Ireland Legends v Manchester United Legends – Liam Miller Tribute Match – Pairc Ui Chaoimh
Manchester United Legends’ Denis Irwin scores his side’s first goal (Niall Carson/PA)

“It was good experience for everybody and we’re here to celebrate the life of Liam,” he added.

“All in all it’s been emotional day but it’s a great turnout and it was fun to be out there.

“It was difficult to get the ball back in midfield the second half but we got back in the game, we scored a couple of really good goals as well.

“It was a shame we couldn’t get the win.

“It’s not about what went on on the pitch it’s about the turnout from the players and the turnout of the fans and to celebrate Liam for his family as well.”