Made his League debut for Arsenal in 1985 but lost his place to Alan Smith before moving to Manchester City for £800,000 in 1990. He became a real favourite at Maine Road under the stewardship of Peter Reid.

After being hit by injury during the latter part of his City career he linked up with Reid at Sunderland on the eve of the 1996/97 season, and sadly missed most of the campaign with injury.

He recovered from this blow to defy those who thought his career was over by leading the club to the Play-off final in 1997/98 and into the Premiership in 1999/2000.

Was voted Sunderland and North East Sportswriters' Player of the Year award in 1999 after scoring 21 goals in his partnership with the free-scoring Phillips.

A back problem, plus of course his age, curtailed his involvement increasingly throughout 2000 to 2002. Had a testimonial year in 2001/02 - and gave every penny away to charity. A superb gesture.

The Republic of Ireland striker had an international swansong in 2002 at the World Cup finals in Japan and Korea, playing in three of his country's four games as they reached the second round.