Famous beach ball that Darren Bent scored iconic goal against Liverpool with makes talkSPORT appearance

The beach ball that Darren Bent scored his iconic, but controversial goal against Liverpool with appeared in all its glory on talkSPORT Drive.

Tuesday marks 14 years the former Sunderland striker netted one of the strangest goals in Premier League history.

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Bent took aim against Liverpool just inside the area at the Stadium of Light and fired into the back of the net.

Replays show the ball actually deflecting off a beach ball that had been hit onto pitch by a fan sat in the end where away fans are housed to create the bizarre moment.

Rules dictate the goal should not have stood but with no VAR, referee Mike Jones awarded the goal, later admitting he thought the ball deflected in-off a Liverpool player.

The famous sphere is now owned by a Sunderland fan, but is kept at The Fans Museum Sunderland, and founder Michael Ganley joined talkSPORT Drive to show it to Bent.

Despite being 'ripped to shreds' from the day it still holds its shape as Ganley explained: "The ball has been really good, it's been blown up once and it's stood the test of time for three years."

He then took the ball out of the cabinet that it currently sits in, also joined by the match-worn boots from that day.

"It's been split open," Ganley added. "It's got sellotape holding the joints together which isn't really visible but every joint has pretty much got sellotape over it."

He was then asked if he would ever sell the ball to Bent, but the talkSPORT host is unlikely to be able to make a purchase.

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"Unfortunately, like I said it belongs to a gentleman called Kevin Barlow. He bought it with a bit tongue in cheek and knew that I was interested.

"I actually offered him a sum of money and he just said, 'You know what? Keep it Michael, it stays in Sunderland and if ever I need it back, I'll get it back.'"

However, he is open to the prospect of Bent and the ball reuniting in person: "I think it would be lovely for Darren to come and do something here.

"We can do something in relation to many different charities which we support daily anyway. I can obviously speak to the owner Kevin, who knows?

"We might see it back with Darren. We might see it back with Darren and then Darren gives it back for a period of time, we do something like that. That's what it's about."

Bent then revealed that he is heading up to Sunderland next Wednesday and will try pay a visit to the museum so he can be reunited with the beach ball.

It contributed to one of football's most bizarre moments and it would be great to see the duo back together after 14 years.