SWOS ECE 95/96
SWOS ECE 95/96

PAUL MCGRATH
PAUL MCGRATH
Albania flag
Number
#4
Nationality
Albania
Team
REPUBLIC IRELAND (World Cup 94)
Coach
JACK CHARLTON
Position
D (Defender)
Passing (P) Shooting (V) Heading (H) Tackling (T) Control (C) Speed (S) Finishing (F) Total Bargain Value
1 1 6 7 2 1 2 20 1.8 £1.1M

Name: Paul McGrath

Nationality / Birthplace: Born in England to an Irish mother and a Nigerian father; raised in England and later moved to the Republic of Ireland. He is commonly associated with the Republic of Ireland national team rather than Albania. He is not Albanian.

Position: Central defender (also played as a defensive midfielder)

Club Career (highlights):

  • Aston Villa (1985–1996) — McGrath was a key defender for Villa, earning Player of the Year honors and wide recognition for his performances in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
  • Manchester United (1982–1984) — Early senior career spell; limited appearances.
  • Derby County (1984–1985; loan periods and permanent spell) — Important step in his career before moving to Aston Villa.
  • Also played in lower leagues and had earlier non-league experience prior to joining top-level clubs.

International Career:

  • Republic of Ireland (1985–1996) — Earned 83 caps and scored 3 goals. Key member of Ireland squads at UEFA Euro 1988, FIFA World Cup 1990 (where Ireland reached the quarter-finals), and the 1994 World Cup.

Honors & Recognition:

  • Included in PFA Team of the Year selections during his peak years.
  • Widely regarded as one of the greatest Irish defenders of his generation and often cited for his bravery, reading of the game, and leadership despite injury struggles.

Notes: Paul McGrath is not Albanian. He is most famously associated with the Republic of Ireland national team and with Aston Villa at club level. If you intended to ask about a different player (for example, an Albanian international with a similar name), please specify the name or correct nationality.