Daniel Cleary (footballer)

Daniel Cleary (born 9 March 1996) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Shamrock Rovers. His previous clubs are Liverpool, Birmingham City, Solihull Moors, Dundalk and St Johnstone.

For the Canadian ice hockey player, see Daniel Cleary.

Daniel Cleary
Personal information
Full name Daniel Cleary
Date of birth (1996-03-09) 9 March 1996
Place of birth Dublin, Ireland
Height 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Shamrock Rovers
Number 6
Youth career
–2011 Crumlin United
2011–2015 Liverpool
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2015–2016 Liverpool 0 (0)
2016–2018 Birmingham City 0 (0)
2017 → Solihull Moors (loan) 3 (0)
2018–2021 Dundalk 84 (7)
2022 St Johnstone 15 (0)
2022– Shamrock Rovers 39 (4)
International career
Republic of Ireland U15
Republic of Ireland U17
Republic of Ireland U18
Republic of Ireland U19
Republic of Ireland U21
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:42, 10 October 2023 (UTC)

Club career

Early career

Cleary grew up in Drimnagh, Dublin and played for local side Crumlin United at schoolboy level, the club that produced several international players including Robbie Keane.[1] Aged 14 he had a trial with Birmingham City, but wasn't signed.[2] He signed for Liverpool's Academy in 2011, aged 15.[3]

Liverpool

Cleary made his Liverpool first team debut on 2 August 2015 in a pre-season friendly against Swindon Town, coming off the bench in the 57th minute replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back in a 2–1 win at the County Ground.[4][5] On 17 September 2015 Cleary's first involvement in a first team squad for a competitive match came when was included in the squad by Brendan Rodgers for a UEFA Europa League game away to Bordeaux but remained an unused substitute.[6][7][8][9] During his time at Liverpool, he was deliberately injured by teammate Tom Brewitt in training, with Brewitt later owning up to doing so with the hopes of getting into the first team for an FA Cup tie and Cleary being ahead of him in the pecking order for centre backs.[10][11][12][13] Cleary opted to leave the club in 2016 after 5 years at the club.[14]

Birmingham City

Cleary signed for EFL Championship club Birmingham City on 27 July 2016.[2] Cleary played for the club's reserve side up until the summer of 2017 when we was loaned out.[15] On 19 January 2018, after returning from his loan at Solihull Moors, Birmingham announced that Cleary had left the club by mutual consent,[16] later admitting that he had fallen out of love with the game at that time.[17]

Solihull Moors

On 26 July 2017, Cleary sealed a loan move to National League side Solihull Moors until 2 January 2018, alongside Birmingham teammate Connal Trueman.[18][19] He made a total of 3 appearances during his time at the club.[20]

Dundalk

Cleary signed for League of Ireland Premier Division club Dundalk on 15 February 2018.[21] He scored his first goal in professional football on 2 June 2018 in a 5–2 win away to Shamrock Rovers and received a booking for celebrating the goal in front of Rovers manager Stephen Bradley in reference to not signing him after he had spent time on trial at the club in the month prior to joining Dundalk.[22] Cleary won the first trophy of his career on 5 October 2018, as his side clinched the 2018 League of Ireland Premier Division with a 1–1 draw against St Patrick's Athletic.[23] On 4 November 2018, Cleary came on as a late substitute in the 2018 FAI Cup Final as his side beat Cork City 2–1 to win the FAI Cup at the Aviva Stadium, completing the league and cup double.[24] He was named League of Ireland Player of the Month for August on 12 September 2019.[25] 2 days later, he played the full 120 minutes of the 2019 League of Ireland Cup Final and scored in the penalty shootout as his side won 4–2 on penalties to win the League Cup.[26] Cleary and Dundalk claimed back to back league titles on 23 September 2019, as they beat Shamrock Rovers 3–2 to clinch the title.[27] Cleary missed a penalty in the 2019 FAI Cup Final penalty shootout as Dundalk were beaten on penalties by Shamrock Rovers at the Aviva Stadium.[28] On 11 November 2019 he played in the final of the inaugural Champions Cup, as his side beat NIFL Premiership champions Linfield 7–1 on aggregate to win the trophy.[29] On 1 October 2020, Cleary scored in a 3–1 win against KÍ of the Faroe Islands at the Aviva Stadium to seal qualification to the UEFA Europa League Group Stages.[30][31][32] He featured in all 6 of the club's group games, playing at home and away against Arsenal, Rapid Vienna and Molde.[20] On 6 December 2020, Cleary played the full 120 minutes as Dundalk beat Shamrock Rovers 4–2 after extra time to win the 2020 FAI Cup Final.[33] On 12 March 2021, Cleary played the full game in the 2021 President of Ireland's Cup and scored his penalty in the shootout as Dundalk beat Shamrock Rovers 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw to win the trophy at Tallaght Stadium.[34] He missed all 6 of the club's UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers during the 2021 season due to spending a long spell out with a quadriceps tendon injury.[35] On 4 November 2021, he scored an 86th-minute winner away to Drogheda United in the Louth Derby.[36][37] Cleary's contract was up at the end of November 2021, with Scottish club St Johnstone reportedly interested in signing him.[38]

St Johnstone

Cleary completed a move to Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone on 1 January 2022 on a 2-and-a-half-year contract.[39][40] He made his debut for the club on 18 January 2022 in a 2–0 loss to Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle Stadium.[41] Cleary was released by St Johnstone in July 2022, with his manager Callum Davidson citing family reasons for the departure.[42]

Shamrock Rovers

After leaving St Johnstone, Cleary signed a "multi-year deal" with Shamrock Rovers.[43] He made his debut for the club on 29 July 2022, scoring in a 4–0 win over Bangor Celtic in the FAI Cup.[44]

International career

Cleary has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-15, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 level.[45][46]

Career statistics
As of match played 29 September 2023[47][48]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup[lower-alpha 1] League Cup[lower-alpha 2] Europe Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Liverpool 2015–16 Premier League 0000000[lower-alpha 3]0—00
Birmingham City 2016–17 EFL Championship 000000——00
2017–18 0000———00
Total 000000——00
Solihull Moors (loan) 2017–18 National League 3000———30
Dundalk 2018 LOI Premier Division 26350102[lower-alpha 3]00[lower-alpha 4]0343
2019 23241404[lower-alpha 5]02[lower-alpha 6]0373
2020 12130—9[lower-alpha 3]0—241
2021 23120—0[lower-alpha 7]01[lower-alpha 4]0261
Total 84714150150301218
St Johnstone 2021–22 Scottish Premiership 15010——2[lower-alpha 8]0180
2022–23 000020——20
Total 1501020—20200
Shamrock Rovers 2022 LOI Premier Division 11431—8[lower-alpha 9]0—225
2023 28010—401[lower-alpha 4]0340
Total 39441—12010565
Career total 14111192702706020013
  1. Includes FA Cup, FAI Cup & Scottish Cup
  2. Includes EFL Cup, League of Ireland Cup & Scottish League Cup
  3. Appearances in the UEFA Europa League
  4. Appearances in the President of Ireland's Cup
  5. 2 appearances in the UEFA Champions League & 2 appearances in the UEFA Europa League
  6. 1 appearance in the Champions Cup & 1 appearance in the Leinster Senior Cup
  7. Appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League
  8. Appearances in Scottish Premiership play-offs
  9. 2 appearances in the UEFA Europa League & 6 appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League

Honours

Club
Dundalk
Shamrock Rovers

Individual

References
  1. Donnelly, David (2 January 2022). "Blow for Dundalk as Drimnagh defender Dan Cleary joins St Johnstone". DublinLive.
  2. Bailey, Ryan (27 July 2016). "Ireland U21 defender Cleary finds new club following Liverpool departure". The42.
  3. "Extratime.com - Extratime.ie - Daniel Cleary". www.extratime.com.
  4. "Swindon Town 1-2 Liverpool: Player Ratings - Liverpool FC". 2 August 2015.
  5. "Swindon Town vs. Liverpool - 2 August 2015 - Soccerway". ie.soccerway.com.
  6. Reilly, Gary. "An Irish Youngster Could Be Set For His Liverpool Debut On Thursday Night". Balls.ie.
  7. O'Neill, Caoimhe. "Daniel Cleary: 'I could have stayed at Liverpool but I don't regret anything'". The Athletic.
  8. Casey, Jamie. "Brendan Rodgers prepared to use Irish teen Daniel Cleary". The Irish Post.
  9. "Bordeaux vs. Liverpool - 17 September 2015 - Soccerway". ie.soccerway.com.
  10. ""It was me or him so I went after him" - disgusting story from Liverpool training that led to Dan Cleary injury". SportsJOE.ie.
  11. "'I was lucky to walk away from that tackle' - ex-Liverpool prospect admits deliberately injuring Irish defender". independent.
  12. Byrom, David (16 October 2020). "Ex-Reds defender admits injuring teammate for debut chance". Liverpool Echo.
  13. Quinn, Gavin (16 October 2020). "Ex-Liverpool youth admits to deliberately injuring Irish player in training". Irish Mirror.
  14. "Irishman Daniel Cleary gives emotional goodbye to Liverpool after 5 years at the club". SportsJOE.ie.
  15. "Former Liverpool defender Daniel Cleary joins Blues Under-21s". Birmingham City Football Club.
  16. "Dan Cleary leaves Blues". Birmingham City Football Club.
  17. Scully, Michael (12 July 2018). "Dundalk star Daniel Cleary admits he fell out of love with the game". Irish Mirror.
  18. "Blues pair make Solihull Moors loan switch". Birmingham City Football Club.
  19. "Birmingham pair join Solihull on loan". BBC Sport.
  20. "Republic of Ireland - D. Cleary - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". ie.soccerway.com.
  21. Team, The PA (15 February 2018). "Done Deal: Dundalk Complete Signing Of Former Liverpool Defender". Pundit Arena.
  22. O'Dea, Arthur James. "Daniel Cleary Continues To Remind Stephen Bradley What He's Missing". Balls.ie.
  23. Reilly, Caoimhín (5 October 2018). "Champions! Hoban delivers dramatic 90th minute equaliser as Dundalk secure fourth title in five seasons". The42.
  24. Gallagher, Aaron (4 November 2018). "McEleney the FAI Cup hero as Dundalk bag second double in four years before 30,412 spectators". The42.
  25. "Dundalk defender Daniel Cleary wins the Player of the Month Award". www.sseairtricityleague.ie.
  26. McLaughlin, Kevin (14 September 2019). "Dundalk bag EA Sports Cup after shootout win over Derry" – via www.rte.ie. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  27. McLaughlin, Gavin (23 September 2019). "Dundalk defeat Shamrock Rovers to claim title" – via www.rte.ie. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  28. "FAI Cup Final: Dundalk's dream of domestic treble dies as Shamrock Rovers win dramatic penalty shoot-out". independent.
  29. Newberry, Niall (11 November 2019). "Dundalk crush Linfield 7-1 on aggregate to win new cross-border competition". The42.
  30. "Dundalk beat KI to clinch £2.7m windfall". BBC Sport.
  31. Stadium, Emmet Malone at the Aviva. "Dundalk survive wobble to make group stages of Europa League". The Irish Times.
  32. Scully, Michael (1 October 2020). "Dundalk 3 KI 1". DublinLive.
  33. Cooney, Gavin (6 December 2020). "McMillan hits hat-trick as Dundalk win classic Cup final after extra time". The42.
  34. Tallaght, Emmet Malone in. "First blood to Dundalk as they win President's Cup on penalties". The Irish Times.
  35. McLaughlin, Gavin (20 May 2021). "CLEARY FACING SURGERY". Dundalk Football Club.
  36. "Daniel Cleary strikes late as Dundalk take Louth derby honours in Drogheda". The Irish Times.
  37. Rogers, James (4 November 2021). "Late Daniel Cleary goal keeps Dundalk's slim Euro dreams alive". Irish Examiner.
  38. "St Johnstone look to prise Dan Cleary away from Dundalk". independent.
  39. Kelly, Niall (January 2022). "St Johnstone confirm signing of Dundalk defender Daniel Cleary". The42.
  40. "Dan Cleary completes move to St Johnstone". 1 January 2022 – via www.rte.ie. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  41. Gallagher, Matthew (21 January 2022). "Liam Gordon: Dan Cleary has 'fight' and will be asset in St Johnstone's battle". Daily Record.
  42. "St Johnstone sign Remi Matthews and Alex Mitchell on one-year loan deals". BBC Sport. 27 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  43. "Shamrock Rovers sign ex-Dundalk defender Dan Cleary". The42. 28 July 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  44. Ferris, Macdara (29 July 2022). "Shamrock Rovers ease past Bangor Celtic into FAI Cup second round". Irish Examiner.
  45. "Daniel Cleary | Football Association of Ireland". www.fai.ie.
  46. "TheJournal.ie - Ireland U21 defender Cleary finds new club following Liverpool departure". www.the42.ie. 27 July 2016.
  47. "Republic of Ireland - D. Cleary - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.
  48. Newberry, Niall (23 July 2023). "Ten-man Dundalk FC have dumped Shamrock Rovers out of the Sports Direct FAI Cup". Dundalk Democrat. Oriel Park: Iconic Media. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
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