If Torquay United loanees Adam Randell and Sam Sherring needed an example to follow once their current loan spells with the Gulls come to an end - then they need look no further than former Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan McLoughlin.
McLoughlin, who passed away this week following a battle with cancer, joined the Gulls on loan from Swindon Town in the 1986-87 season; during this spell he was part of the United side who famously drew 2-2 with Crewe Alexandra to secure their league status.
In the following 1987-88 campaign, McLoughlin returned to Plainmoor on loan under Cyril Knowles and was on target in the Gulls' 6-1 win over Wrexham on the opening day of the season. He appeared a further seven times for United and scored twice before returning to the County Ground.
His spell at Plainmoor served him well in a career which saw him play 42 times for the Republic of Ireland - mostly during the managerial reign of Jack Charlton - including what could be described as the most politically charged game in football history.
On November 17, 1993, the Republic of Ireland faced Northern Ireland at Windsor Park, Belfast. Charlton's side needed a point to secure their passage to USA 94. The Republic were looking to secure their second successive appearance in a World Cup finals - after they memorably reached the quarter finals of Italia 90. However, events surrounding the fixture ensured that it would be far from your average World Cup qualifier.
At the time of the meeting, the Troubles had been raging in Northern Ireland for 25 years and October 1993 had proved to be the bloodiest month of the conflict since the mid-1970s. An IRA bomb that exploded in a Shankhill Road fish and chip shop killed nine Protestants in early October 1993. A week later, a retaliatory shooting in County Derry saw eight civilians killed, mostly Catholic, at a Halloween party.
Charlton had even tried to get the game switched to England or Italy due to the fact that Windsor Park was based in the Loyalist area of South Belfast. Nevertheless, his request was refused as his side flew into Belfast and were accompanied by armed Special Branch officers on their way to the ground.
Once the match itself got underway, both sides went in half time goalless draw. It was at this point that news filtered through that qualifying group rivals Spain were winning 1-0 against reigning European champions Denmark - which meant the Republic were heading stateside.
In the second half, it was not all plain sailing for Charlton's men. Jimmy Quinn, then of Second Division Reading, gave Northern Ireland the lead ten minutes into the second half - leaving the Republic's qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
However, Charlton summoned McLoughlin off the bench and in the 76th minute, he volleyed past Northern Irish keeper Tommy Wright to secure a 1-1 draw. It was McLoughlin's first goal for the Republic - and arguably the most crucial - as they booked their place in a second successive World Cup finals.
That night in Belfast was a highlight for McLoughlin in a career that included spells with Southampton, Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic, Rochdale and Forest Green Rovers. He also helped Pompey reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup in the 1991-92 season - where they were beaten by Liverpool in a replay following a penalty shoot-out.
His loan spell at Plainmoor in the 1986-87 season served to re-ignite a career which had only consisted of seven appearances with Swindon at that point. His subsequent represents a great example for all Torquay United, both present and future, to follow.
