Rory Delap

Rory Delap is an Irish midfielder. He was born on 6 July 1976 in Sutton Coldfield, England.

In 1994 Delap graduated from the academy of Carlisle United and moved to the main team of the club after penning a contract with it. During four years the footballer’s appearances were occasional, as he featured in 65 games and netted seven goals.

Rory’s career went forward at a steady gait, when he sealed a long-term contract with Derby County after the parties agreed all peculiarities of the deal. Delap became one of the anchor players of the club, where he took part in 103 matches and fired 11 goals during three years. Many English teams took an interest in winning him over to their side.

In 2001 English side Southampton secured Rory’s services and made him one of the pivots of the midfield after some time. The footballer managed to overcome high competition for a place in the starting eleven and consolidated at a regular position by 2003. Delap featured in 132 games and kicked five goals during his spell.

In 2006 Rory was bought by Sunderland, but went on a six-month loan to Stoke City after making 12 appearances for his parent club. After the end of his spell, the temporary club decided to sign the midfielder on permanent basis. From 2007 till 2013, Delap took part in 178 games and amassed eight goals for Stoke City. In January 2013 Rory went on with a loan spell at Barnsley. The loan completed, Stoke City released the long-serving midfielder. A couple of weeks later Delap joined Burton Albion.

From 1998 till 2004, Rory was capped 11 times for the Republic of Ireland national team.