An army of the world's most powerful fire hoses wouldn't extinguish the conflagration that's engulfed football known as Will Grigg.
The shortlist for
Uefa’s Best Player in Europe Award has been revealed and the surprise inclusion this year is the man whose name has inspired a generation to make light of self-immolation through the power of chanting.
Not only was Grigg one of 37 players nominated by journalists from each of UEFA's 55 member associations for prestigious accolade, but he also cracked the top 25, finishing level with Paul Pogba and ahead of Bundesliga's top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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Despite not playing a single second of football for Northern Ireland, Grigg became an unlikely cult hero of the tournament. His infectious chant spread through the competition like the Black Death that wiped out millions on the continent in the 14th century and because of this, he has been voted as one of Europe's elite.
The bitter irony being that the prospect of death might prove to be sweet release from the chant which has already outstayed its welcome.
The silver-lining here is that Grigg did not make the top 10 (see below), so he is already out of the running to win the award.
This list will be whittled down to the magic number three at the start of August, with Uefa's jury having the final say on the winner, which will be announced during the Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on 25 August.
