Years Team Role Footballer 2003–2005 Leeds United Height 1.83 m | 2004 → Halifax Town (loan) Name Henry McStay Current team Leeds United F.C. | |
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Full name Henry Matthew Patrick McStay Date of birth (1985-03-06) 6 March 1985 (age 30) Place of birth Armagh, Northern Ireland | ||
Henry Matthew Patrick McStay (born 6 March 1985) is a retired footballer from Lurgan in Northern Ireland, is current Assistant Physio at Leeds United. He most recently played for Bradford Park Avenue. His preferred position was right back, though towards the latter end of his career played in a more central defensive role. He is a former Republic of Ireland U21 international.
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Club career
Henry began his club career with Leeds United without ever breaking through in to the first team, this was primarily due to the abundance of riches Leeds had in Henry's position at the time, players such as Lucas Radebe, Jonathan Woodgate, Dom Matteo and Rio Ferdinand already established centre backs for the Whites.
Henry went on loan to Halifax Town for a short period in search of first team football. His loan move ended in November 2004 after suffering a knee injury.
When his contract with Leeds ended, he joined Portadown in his native Northern Ireland, turning down offers from Aberdeen F.C., Bohemian F.C. or Finn Harps F.C..
After impressing for Portadown, Henry got the chance to move to Royal Antwerp FC. However, due to homesickness, McStay ended his contract with the Belgian club at the end of January 2008 and went in search of a new start in Britain.
In January 2008, Henry moved to Morecambe F.C.. In April, he signed a new two-year contract with Morecambe.
In June 2010 Henry moved to Portadown whom he previously played for signing a one-year contract. Due to personal commitments a move to Bradford Park Avenue arose where Henry spent just over a season before retiring due to a recurring knee injury.
International career
Henry played international football for Northern Ireland's Under 17's before opting for the Republic of Ireland. A strong defender who played for the Republic's Under 19's and Under 21's, he is also an expert penalty taker.
He was one of the stars as Ireland won the European Youth Olympic Festival in Spain in 2001.
Henry made his Republic of Ireland Under 21 debut v Portugal U21's on 24 February 2004.
On 25 March 2005, in a 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualifying match against Israel U21, Henry conceded an own goal while trying to clear the ball in the 6th minute, deflecting the ball into the net. However, he redeemed himself by scoring a goal with a header via Willo Flood's free-kick in the 35th minute. However, Ireland U21 lost the match 3-1.