As Craig Cathcart celebrates his 37th birthday today, we look at some of his best moments playing for Northern Ireland…
After appearing for Northern Ireland at Under-16, U17, U20 and U21 level, Cathcart made his senior debut against Slovenia in September 2010. Typically a centre back, he provided an assist to Corry Evans from the left-back position in a 1-0 victory in Maribor.
Five years later, in October 2015, Cathcart scored the first of his two international goals - against Finland at Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium. From Paddy McNair’s cross his header gave Northern Ireland the lead in the 31st minute.
While the match eventually ended 1-1, his goal helped the national team top their Euro 2016 qualifying group, cementing their place at their first-ever European Championships.
His second international goal came in March 2016 in Cardiff - in a friendly with Wales ahead of Euro 2016 in France. That game ended 1-1.
During the 2016 tournament in France he was a vital player for Michael O’Neill’s side as they ultimately reached the Round of 16. He started all four matches in the tournament, where Northern Ireland only conceded three goals.
His football education began at Manchester United. During his time at Old Trafford he had loan spells with Royal Antwerp, Plymouth Argyle and Watford.
After not making a senior appearance for the Red Devils he eventually left Manchester for Blackpool, who were then in the Premier League, in September 2010. In four years he clocked up 117 games for the Tangerines, scoring three goals before departing for Watford in the summer of 2014.
Following nine seasons at Watford, where he played 262 games and scored eight goals under no fewer than 18 managers, he was released by the club at the end of the 2022-23 season.
He then signed a one-year deal with Belgian top flight club KV Kortrijk, however his contract was terminated by mutual consent in September 2023 when he decided to bring the curtain down on his playing career.
Often an underrated member of the Northern Ireland team, Cathcart provided a strong and reliable presence in defence as he amassed 73 caps for his country.
He wore the Northern Ireland captain’s armband twice – in March 2023 for Euro 2024 qualifiers against San Marino (away) and Finland (home).
Happy Birthday Craig!
