The current Everton and Republic of Ireland star began his career at schoolboy level with his local club St. Catherine's from Killybegs in the South Division of Donegal Schoolboys League. Missed selection on the Kennedy Cup squad in 2003 due to a knee injury. Outstanding performances aged 15 saw him selected for St. Catherine's first team where he won a Donegal League title under Brian Dorrian in 2005-2006. Spotted by Sligo Rovers manager Sean Connor in a friendly game between the Saints and Rovers earlier the same year resulting in him signing for the Bit O'Red. Made his senior debut for Rovers in November 2006 and became the regular right-back the following season. By this stage he had been capped by both the Irish Schools and FAI underage teams and it was no surprise to see him cross the water to Everton in January 2009. Helped Blackpool to promotion to the Premier Division while on loan in 2010 but since then has established himself as Everton's and the Republic of Ireland's regular right-back.