An incredibly awkward interview with ex-England international Kieron Dyer has resurfaced on social media recently.
Taken from the 90s Channel 4 documentary Under The Moon, the clip sees a bewildered interviewer ask Dyer about his thoughts regarding Ipswich Town's rivalry with Norwich City.
Unbeknownst to him, Dyer was a member of The Tractor Boys' first team, leading to one of the most painful 40 seconds in TV history.
"Can I ask you about Ipswich Town Football Club?" the interviewer asked Dyer. "Are you a supporter?"
"I'm an actual player," Dyer replied, causing his friend to laugh.
"Are you?" the interviewer responded, unaware that he was speaking to one of the club's best ever young players.
After a cringe-worthy exchange of questions and answers, Dyer begins to shuffle away, with the interviewer calling "so what level are you playing at?"
"Professional in the first team," Dyer answered. "Kieron Dyer."
As Dyer drifts past the camera, the interviewer can be heard questioning the comment in the background.
Considering just how remarkable Dyer's days were at Portman Road, the interviewer's unawareness of his interviewee is just staggering. Born and bred in Suffolk, Dyer quickly established himself as one of the most promising footballers outside of the Premier League.
After handing in a transfer request in the summer of 1999 in order to join a club in the top flight, Dyer became a Newcastle United player, the only Englishman to be signed by manager Ruud Gullit during his brief spell on Tyneside.
The midfielder thrived under Gullit's successor Sir Bobby Robson, playing an instrumental part in The Toon's three consecutive top five finishes between 2001 and 2004, which included a thrilling run to a UEFA Cup Semi-Final.
However, his time in the North East will, somewhat unfairly, be remembered for his on-the-pitch brawl with Newcastle teammate Lee Bowyer during a defeat to Aston Villa at St James' Park. Dyer was sent off that afternoon and handed a three match ban by The FA.
After a string of serious injuries, Dyer left Newcastle to join West Ham United in August 2007. However, his terrible luck followed him to the East End, with the player making just 30 appearances in four years, scoring no goals and recording no assists.
He then had three very brief spells with his former club Ipswich Town, QPR and Middlesbrough before hanging up his boots in 2013.
He enjoyed a solid career on the international stage too, making 33 appearances for England and featuring in huge international tournaments like the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004.
So whilst that interviewer may not have known who Kieron Dyer was back then, he certainly would recognise him now.
Featured Image Credit: