Biography

Having put past injury problems more or less to one side, Damien's second season at Chelsea was his busiest ever and certainly his most successful, adding the Premiership and Carling Cup to the League Cup won at former club Blackburn. 

An exciting, old-style dribbler who is hard to shake off the ball, Damien has an eye for a penetrating pass or cross and weighs in with his share of goals too. Left-footed, he can operate on either flank or upfront and is a true star for Ireland at international level.

When Chelsea came calling a year later, many predicted Damien would shun London to remain in the north. But he was ready for the challenge which continued to stretch him at the beginning of last season as he successfully forced his way into the starting line-up having begun the season on the fringes. 

José Mourinho needed convincing that the mental side of his injuries were behind him but having done that, his tandem wing partnership with Arjen Robben became feared throught the land with Damien making a pleasant habit of scoring opening goals.

Player Info

Date of Birth: 02 Mar 1979

Height: 5 9

Signed: 21 Jul 2003

Previous clubs: Blackburn Rovers (£17,000,000)