Keith O'Neill (footballer)

Keith O'Neill (born 16 February 1976) is a former professional footballer who represented the Republic of Ireland. He played as a left-sided midfielder, but could sometimes play as a striker. Despite being an exceptionally talented youngster, his career was ultimately cut-short by successive injuries caused by a degenerative bone disease.

Keith O'Neill
Personal information
Full name Keith Padre Gerard O'Neill
Date of birth (1976-02-16) 16 February 1976
Place of birth Dublin, Ireland
Playing position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
1982–1989 Tolka Rovers
1989–1994 Home Farm
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1994–1999 Norwich City 73 (9)
1999–2001 Middlesbrough 37 (0)
2001–2003 Coventry City 12 (0)
Total 122 (14)
National team
1996–1999 Republic of Ireland 13 (4)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Career

O'Neill began his playing career with Dublin side Tolka Rovers at the age of 6 before transferring to Home Farm.

As a promising youngster, O'Neill was spotted by several sides, including Norwich City, who went on to sign him when he was 18. O'Neill immediately impressed at the Norfolk club, despite being very injury prone. The injury problems, some of them stemming him having suffered from spondylosis as a child,[1] affected him virtually from the start of his career and ultimately curtailed his progress.

O'Neill went on to play for Middlesbrough and Coventry City. While at Coventry, he was diagnosed with two degenerative bone conditions in his spine, spondylolisthesis and spondylosis, which was essentially a double fracture of part of the cord that threatened to leave him disabled. These conditions eventually forced his retirement.

International career

O'Neill made 13 appearances for his country, scoring four goals, including scoring twice against Bolivia at Giants Stadium in 1996.[2]

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References
  1. Hannigan, Dave. "The Strange Case of...Keith O'Neill". When Saturday Comes. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  2. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/oneill-double-rouses-ireland-1337472.html

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