Irish footballer Denis Irwin, best known internationally for his 12-year stint with Manchester United between 1990 and 2002, has been pictured with Malta’s new High Commissioner to the UK Stephen Montefort at a travel expo in Manchester.

Mr Irwin, a seven-time Premier League winner and a UEFA Champions League winner in 1999, has been described by legendary manager Alex Ferguson as his greatest ever signing, “pound-for-pound”.

Malta's High Commissioner to the UK Stephen Montefort shakes hands with Manchester United great Denis Irwin / Facebook

Destinations – The Holiday and Travel Show is the UK’s largest and longest running travel event, and was organised in association with The Times and The Sunday Times (the UK newspapers).

Professor Montefort and Mr Irwin met at the Visit Malta stand, as the state entity’s UK Office promoted the country alongside tourist boards from around the world.

The visit is part of Professor Montefort’s new responsibilities as the incoming High Commissioner, having presented his credentials to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office last week.

During the trip to the UK, High Commissioner Montefort also met with the Malta Tourism Authority’s Director for the UK and Ireland, Tolene Van Deer Merwe, and with the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus who host Maltese patients and their families requiring treatment in London.

Professor Montefort is a Consultant Respiratory Physician and has served as Head of the Department of Medicine and Deputy Dean for the last 12 years.