Stephen Rice
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| Stephen Rice | ||
| Personal information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Stephen Rice | |
| Date of birth | 6 October 1984 | |
| Place of birth | Dublin, Ireland | |
| Playing position | Midfielder | |
| Senior clubs1 | ||
| Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
| 2003 2004-2007 2008- |
Monaghan United Bohemian F.C. Shamrock Rovers |
? (?) ? (?) |
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1 Senior club appearances and goals |
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Stephen Rice (born in Dublin, October 6, 1984) is an Irish footballer currently playing for Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland.
[edit] Career
Stephen was signed by then Bohs manager Stephen Kenny in 2003, after spells in the youth ranks at Coventry City FC and Shelbourne F.C., and was touted as being a successor to League of Ireland legend Kevin Hunt at the heart of the Bohemians midfield. He went out on loan to Monaghan United for three months of the 2003 season and he made his debut the following season away to Longford Town[1]
Opportunities were not forthcoming, and Stephen found himself playing at right-full for the senior side, a position which he retained throughout the 2004-2006 seasons. Stephen was awarded Bohemians' Player of the Year award in 2005.
In the 2007 season, under Sean Connor, Bohemians signed Owen Heary, regarded as the country's premier right-full, and Mark Rossiter, another player in that position. Stephen's future at the club looked uncertain. However, due to injuries and suspensions, Stephen was given the opportunity to play in his natural midfield position, and put in some hugely impressive displays which saw him stay in the starting line-up when a full squad was available.
[edit] Departure from Bohemians
In August 2007 following an alleged contract dispute with Bohs, Sean Connor told Rice he was free to leave and would not play for the club again while he was in charge. [2] Within days, Stockport County had made a bid to sign Rice but he turned them down. [3] However, after 2 months out of the team, Rice made his return for Bohs as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat against Shamrock Rovers and featured in the first team squad for the rest of the season.
[edit] Shamrock Rovers
On November 3, 2007, Stephen signed for Shamrock Rovers on a 2 year deal.[4] He has now become club captain in the absence of fellow team mate Aidan Price. [5]
Was one of four Rovers players to represent their country at U23 level that same month[6]
Made his competitive debut for Rovers in the first game of the 2008 season [7] and scored his first goal in green and white in Galway on the 29th of March [8].
Scored the winner in his second appearance for the U23s [9].
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