Gary Rogers drew the curtain on a glittering League of Ireland career this week and the 39-year-old's achievements are up there with some of the best to grace Irish football, according to Shane Keegan.

Keegan, one of the key components of the Dundalk backroom staff, celebrated Rogers career, along with Dan McDonnell, on OTB Sports Football Saturday.

"In terms of what he has achieved, he is second to absolutely no one," Keegan said.

Having competed in the LOI for 20 years, Rogers has won five league titles, as well as five FAI Cups.

The Navan native represented several teams in Irish club football including Dundalk, Sligo Rovers, St Patrick's Athletic after his debut came at Shelbourne.

Rogers' final appearance came against Arsenal in the Europa League, having emerged from last Sunday's cup final against Shamrock Rovers with another trophy to add to the collection.

Keegan is sure that Rogers could have continued his career if that was the route he chose.

Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

"I had a little bit of a chat with him just to quiz him on whether he was 100 per cent sure that was what he wanted to do," the Dundalk coach admitted.

"I know how much [you can] miss the day to day of a dressing room and that kind of environment.

"I can completely understand where he is coming from. Rogers is operating at the highest level of LOI football.

"Could he have squeezed in another couple of years out of his career? Maybe if he was not as determined to be operating at the top level.

"I think it is very admirable, the decision that he has made, to go out at the absolute peak, winning an FAI Cup final, and playing against Arsenal as your last competitive game."

Rogers the record-breaker

Dan McDonnell, who has covered Rogers' career for a number of years, agreed with Keegan's assessment and added that it is very unlikely that many future players will match the Navan man's career.

"To play for 20 years at LOI level is hard going," McDonnell said, acknowledging that many competitors in the league are not rewarded handsomely for their dedication and commitment.

In spite of this, Rogers has broken many records during his decorated spell in Irish football.

3 November 2019; Gary Rogers of Dundalk during the extra.ie FAI Cup Final between Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

"I am not so sure how many players we will see doing that again.

"As Shane mentioned, Gary is very decorated, five league titles, five cups. He has made more European appearances than any other player [in the league,] in history.

"He is second in the all-time appearances list in the entire history of the league."

There is an argument to be made that the coronavirus pandemic ensured that Rogers did not claim that record as well.

17 July 2019; Gary Rogers of Dundalk, centre, celebrates with team-mates following the UEFA Champions League First Qualifying Round 2nd Leg match between Riga and Dundalk at Skonto Stadium in Riga, Latvia. Photo by Roman Koksarov/Sportsfile

What is in store for Rogers in the future is, at this stage, unknown.

Having been the chairman of the Professional Footballer's Association of Ireland, McDonnell is confident that the Rogers will excel in whatever path he chooses.

For now, it is best to sit back and celebrate one of the league's greats.

"When the dust settles on the emotion of it all, that is a serious career," McDonnell concluded.

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