Limerick’s Chris O’Loughlin offers USP to Champions League new boys USG

At the centre of the Union Saint-Gilloise operation is a sporting director born in Limerick.

Union's sports Irish director Chris O'Loughlin watches the Belgian Pro League First Division football match between KVC Westerlo and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Pic: Tom Goyvaerts

UPSTAIRS at Union Saint-Gilloise’s new training facility, Chris O’Loughlin twists his chin over his shoulder to view the pitch beneath, detailing a snapshot of the club’s success.

One by one, the background of players involved in the training game on the new manicured surface is parsed.