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STEPHEN McPHAIL
Personal Stats
DOB: 9th December 1979
Birthplace: London
Height: 5'10"
Profile
Having recovered from an early 1999/00 season injury, United fans saw just why everybody has been raving about this boy from the Emerald isle, as he has forced his way into the United first team following a string of superb performances for the Whites.
Now a regular under David O'Leary, his reward was a call up to Mick McCarthy's Republic of Ireland squad and with a new five year contract under his belt as well, he made his full debut for his country against Scotland in Dublin in May.
Macca went on to win more caps in the Republic's end of season tour of America.
For the last two or three years, those in the know have earmarked McPhail as potentially a very special player indeed. George Graham though, had refused to rush the youngster, who won United's young player of the year award in 1997, as Leeds lifted the FA Youth Cup, through to the first team ranks, before he eventually made his first team bow as a substitute at Leicester in February 1998.
It was no coincidence that the first time Steve started a first team game was the after Graham's departure for Spurs, when David O'Leary gave youth it's head and picked him for the away game at Forest.
Three days later he was thrown in at the deep end in the Olympic Stadium in Rome, as Leeds faced Roma in the UEFA Cup, another indication of how highly O'Leary and Eddie Gray rate him.
Steve possesses a left foot so clever that it could open a tin of beans, but if he's to stamp his mark on the Premiership scene he will have to add extra steel to his game, and the engine to become a true box to box midfielder.
With the play making abilities he's demonstrated at youth and reserve level already proven, Steve will have a wonderful career ahead of him, if he can add the physical ability needed to dominate a game at Premiership level to his game
Career Stats:
Squad No. 14
Position: Midfield
Date Signed: 23rd December 1996
Signed from: Trainee Transfer fee: None
International Honours: Full Int, U-21 Int Previous Clubs: None
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