Corey O'Keeffe

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Corey O'Keeffe
Personal information
Full name Corey James John O'Keeffe[1]
Date of birth (1998-06-05) 5 June 1998 (age 25)[2]
Place of birth Birmingham, England
Height 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)[3]
Position(s) Full back, midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Barnsley
Number 22
Youth career
200?–2008 Cadbury Athletic
2008–2016 Birmingham City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2016–2020 Birmingham City 1 (0)
2018 → Solihull Moors (loan) 13 (0)
2019–2020 → Macclesfield Town (loan) 31 (0)
2020–2022 Mansfield Town 13 (0)
2021–2022 → Rochdale (loan) 21 (1)
2022 Rochdale 22 (1)
2022–2023 Forest Green Rovers 41 (0)
2023– Barnsley 39 (3)
International career
Republic of Ireland U16
2014–2015 Republic of Ireland U17 8 (1)
2015–2016 Republic of Ireland U18 3 (0)
2016–2017 Republic of Ireland U19 7 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15:16, 27 April 2024 (UTC)

Corey James John O'Keeffe (born 5 June 1998) is a professional footballer who plays as a full back or midfielder for EFL League One club Barnsley.

O'Keeffe began his career with Birmingham City, made his senior debut in 2016, and spent time on loan at Solihull Moors of the National League in 2018 and at League Two club Macclesfield Town in 2019–20. He was released by Birmingham in 2020 and signed for Mansfield Town. After a season in which he played little, he joined another League Two club, Rochdale, initially on loan and then on a short-term contract, where he was a first-team regular. He signed for Forest Green Rovers, newly promoted to League One, in June 2022, but after they were relegated, returned to League One with Barnsley in July 2023.

O'Keeffe was born in England and represented the Republic of Ireland at levels from under-16 to under-19.

Club career[edit]

Early life and career[edit]

O'Keeffe was born in Birmingham,[2] where he attended Stirchley Primary School[4] and Baverstock School in the Druids Heath area. He was noticed by representatives of Birmingham City when playing for Cadbury Athletic, and joined their Academy in 2008.[2] He took up a scholarship with the club in July 2014.[5] Interviewed later that year, he assessed his strengths as attacking and heading, and felt he needed to improve his weaker foot.[2] O'Keeffe signed his first professional contract, of two years, in May 2016,[6] and was an unused substitute for the Birmingham reserve team that lost the 2016 Birmingham Senior Cup final to National League North champions Solihull Moors.[7]

First-team football with Birmingham City and on loan[edit]

After impressing both for Birmingham's under-23 side and when training with the first team, O'Keeffe was given squad number 30 in December 2016.[8] He made his senior debut in the Championship visit to Newcastle United on 10 December, as a 74th-minute substitute in a 4–0 defeat.[9] That was his only first-team appearance in 2016–17.[10]

O'Keeffe signed a new three-year contract in August 2017.[11] Having made no first-team appearances in 2017–18, he joined National League club Solihull Moors on loan until 17 February 2018.[12] He went straight into the starting eleven for the following day's match, playing the whole of a 2–2 draw at home to Sutton United, but was not a regular selection, and was recalled in December having made only eight starts in National League matches.[13][14]

An unused substitute in Birmingham's EFL Cup defeat on 6 August 2019, O'Keeffe joined League Two club Macclesfield Town three days later on loan for the rest of the season.[15] He was a first-team regular throughout his stay, and had made 36 appearances in all competitions by the time the League Two season was first suspended and then ended early because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[16][17] He was released by Birmingham when his contract expired at the end of June 2020.[18]

Mansfield Town[edit]

O'Keeffe signed a two-year contract with League Two club Mansfield Town on 13 August 2020.[19] He was in the starting eleven for their opening fixture, an EFL Cup tie away to Preston North End on 29 August, and played the whole of the 4–0 defeat.[20] Playing at wing-back, he was voted man of the match in the first league match, a goalless draw with Tranmere Rovers in which he "was a constant threat down the right-hand side of the pitch with his tricky footwork and dangerous deliveries".[21] He started the first seven league matches of the season,[22] before having to self-isolate because of contact with a team-mate who tested positive for COVID-19.[23] By the time he returned, Graham Coughlan, the manager who signed him, had left;[24] his successor, Nigel Clough, switched to a flat back four, the results improved,[25] and O'Keeffe remained a regular in the matchday squad but did not start another league game.[13] His last appearance of the season in any competition was in the FA Cup third round defeat to Cheltenham Town, in which he played the whole 120 minutes.[22][26]

Rochdale[edit]

O'Keeffe was transfer-listed at the end of the season,[27] and on 3 August 2021, he joined divisional rivals Rochdale on loan until January 2022.[28] He made his debut in the starting eleven for the opening-day visit to Harrogate Town, which Rochdale lost 3–2 to a stoppage-time goal,[29] and continued as a regular. O'Keeffe scored his first senior goal on 31 August in the group stage of the 2021–22 EFL Trophy after he was fouled in the penalty area and converted the kick himself; 22 minutes later, he scored his second, this time from open play, as Rochdale went on to beat Liverpool U21 4–0.[30] Four days later, he scored a 78th-minute winner in a 3–2 league victory away to Port Vale.[31] O'Keeffe started every match of his loan spell, apart from the fixture against his parent club for which he was ineligible, before returning to Mansfield.[13][32]

Clough's opinion was that "if we're not going to play the three centre halves then Corey may well move on",[33] and on 28 January 2022, O'Keeffe did so, returning to Rochdale on a short-term contract until the end of the season.[34] He played in every remaining match, although not always a starter, making 51 appearances over the season in all competitions, scoring five goals and finishing well up the League Two assists table,[13][35] and Rochdale confirmed that they would be offering him a new contract.[36]

Forest Green Rovers[edit]

On 7 June 2022, O'Keeffe became the first summer signing for Forest Green Rovers, newly promoted to League One as 2021–22 League Two champions.[37][38] He was a regular in the side, playing 50 matches in all competitions as the team were relegated at the end of the season.[39][40]

Barnsley[edit]

O'Keeffe signed a four-year contract with League One club Barnsley in July 2023.[40] Despite not being fully fit, he started the opening fixture, at home to Port Vale, because Barnsley were short of players. His interception, run and cross set up the opening goal for Devante Cole in what finished as a 7–0 win, but he went off injured after 33 minutes.[41]

International career[edit]

O'Keeffe played six matches for the Republic of Ireland U17 in qualification for the 2015 UEFA Under-17 Championship, scoring once, and started two matches in the tournament proper as his country were eliminated at the group stage.[42]

O'Keeffe played two Ireland under-18 friendlies, against the Czech Republic in November 2015 and England in March 2016,[43] and played alongside Birmingham teammate Ronan Hale in a 2–2 draw with Germany U18 in May.[44] He appeared in both of Ireland under-19s' friendlies against Austria U19 in September, captaining the side in the second match,[45] and played in two of their three 2017 UEFA Under-19 qualifying-round matches in October. The following March, he played in all three of their elite-round matches; Ireland finished second in their group so failed to qualify.[46]

Career statistics[edit]

As of match played 27 April 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Birmingham City 2016–17[10] Championship 1 0 0 0 0 0 — 1 0
2017–18[47] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2018–19[48] Championship 0 0 — 0 0 — 0 0
2019–20[17] Championship 0 0 — 0 0 — 0 0
Total 1 0 0 0 0 0 — 1 0
Solihull Moors (loan) 2018–19[13] National League 13 0 2 0 — 1[a] 0 16 0
Macclesfield Town (loan) 2019–20[17] League Two 31 0 1 0 2 0 2[b] 0 36 0
Mansfield Town 2020–21[22] League Two 13 0 2 0 1 0 2[b] 0 18 0
2021–22[31] League Two 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 0 0
Total 13 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 18 0
Rochdale 2021–22[31] League Two 43 2 3 1 2 0 3[b] 2 51 5
Forest Green Rovers 2022–23[39] League One 41 0 3 0 2 0 4[b] 1 50 1
Barnsley 2023–24[49] League One 39 3 2 0 0 0 2[b] 0 43 3
Career total 181 5 13 1 7 0 14 3 215 5
  1. ^ Appearance in FA Trophy
  2. ^ a b c d e Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Club list of registered players: As at 19th May 2018: Birmingham City" (PDF). English Football League. p. 5. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d "Blue kid on the block – Corey O'Keeffe". Birmingham City F.C. 22 October 2014. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  3. ^ "Corey O'Keeffe". Macclesfield Town. Archived from the original on 11 August 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  4. ^ Tanner, Rob (16 June 2009). "Young Stirchley stars rise to the Challenge". Birmingham Mail. p. 75 – via Gale OneFile: News.
  5. ^ "List of Players Registered as Scholars in Accordance with Rule C.3 Between 01/07/2014 and 31/07/2014". The Football Association. p. 45. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  6. ^ "Corey O'Keeffe pens professional contract". Birmingham City F.C. 18 April 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  7. ^ Dick, Brian (5 May 2016). "Birmingham Senior Cup final: Birmingham City U21s 1 Solihull Moors 2". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
  8. ^ Dick, Brian (23 November 2016). "Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett admits rookie Corey O'Keeffe is 'coming through the pack'". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
    "Blues youngster gets squad number". Birmingham City F.C. 7 December 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  9. ^ "Newcastle United 3–0 Birmingham City". BBC Sport. 10 December 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  10. ^ a b "Games played by Corey O'Keeffe in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  11. ^ "New deal for Blues youngster Corey O'Keeffe". Birmingham City F.C. 30 August 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  12. ^ "O'Keeffe makes Moors move". Birmingham City F.C. 17 August 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  13. ^ a b c d e "C. O'Keeffe". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  14. ^ "Corey O'Keeffe back at Blues". Birmingham City F.C. 24 December 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  15. ^ "Corey O'Keeffe joins on loan from Birmingham City". Macclesfield Town F.C. 9 August 2019. Archived from the original on 9 August 2019. Retrieved 9 August 2019.
  16. ^ Roan, Dan; Stone, Simon (15 May 2020). "League Two clubs vote to end season, but League One teams fail to decide". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  17. ^ a b c "Games played by Corey O'Keeffe in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  18. ^ "Blues announce Under-23s departures". Birmingham City F.C. 19 May 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  19. ^ "Corey O'Keeffe: Mansfield Town sign former Birmingham City youngster". BBC Sport. 13 August 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  20. ^ "Mansfield Town 4–0 Preston North End". BBC Sport. 29 August 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  21. ^ "Wing-back voted man of the match from Tranmere clash". Mansfield Town F.C. 14 September 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  22. ^ a b c "Games played by Corey O'Keeffe in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  23. ^ "Stags' boss makes one change for Robins clash". Mansfield Town F.C. 24 October 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  24. ^ Thirkill, Stephen (30 October 2020). "Richard Cooper aiming to restore confidence in Mansfield Town's players". Mansfield and Ashfield Chad. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  25. ^ "Centre-back position is natural to me, says Perch". Mansfield Town F.C. 27 November 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  26. ^ "Boss left thrilled with attacking display". Mansfield Town F.C. 13 January 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  27. ^ Lomas, John (11 May 2021). "Ryan Sweeney to leave as Mansfield announce retained list". Mansfield and Ashfield Chad. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  28. ^ "George Broadbent and Corey O'Keeffe: Rochdale sign duo on loan". BBC Sport. 3 August 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  29. ^ "Harrogate Town 3–2 Rochdale". BBC Sport. 7 August 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  30. ^ "Rochdale 4–0 Liverpool U21s". Rochdale Online. 1 September 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  31. ^ a b c "Games played by Corey O'Keeffe in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  32. ^ "Preview: Mansfield Town (A)". Rochdale A.F.C. 17 September 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  33. ^ Lomas, John (4 January 2022). "Corey O'Keeffe looks set to leave Mansfield Town". Hucknall Dispatch. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  34. ^ "Corey O'Keeffe returns to Rochdale on a permanent deal". Rochdale Online. 28 January 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  35. ^ "League Two top scorers: Top assists". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  36. ^ "Football: Rochdale AFC confirms released players". Rochdale Online. 9 May 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  37. ^ "Corey O'Keeffe: Full-back joins Forest Green Rovers for League One campaign". BBC Sport. 7 June 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  38. ^ Loveridge, Ashley (7 June 2022). "New Forest Green boss makes his first signing of the summer by landing highly-rated former Birmingham City winger Corey O'Keeffe". Stroud Times. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  39. ^ a b "Games played by Corey O'Keeffe in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  40. ^ a b "Corey O'Keeffe: Barnsley sign Irish full-back from Forest Green". BBC Sport. 25 July 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  41. ^ Coates, Tom (5 August 2023). "Barnsley FC boss Neill Collins on fitness of Corey O'Keeffe and Jon Russell following Port Vale win". Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  42. ^ "Corey O'Keeffe: Under-17". UEFA. 15 May 2015. Archived from the original on 14 October 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  43. ^ "Ireland go down to U18 friendly loss to Czechs". Football Association of Ireland (FAI). 30 November 2015. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
    "Ireland U18s go down to England defeat". FAI. 27 March 2016. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
  44. ^ "Young Blues duo named in Republic of Ireland Under-18s squad". Birmingham City F.C. 5 May 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
    "Ireland U18s draw with Germany in friendly". FAI. 11 May 2016. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  45. ^ "U19 report: Ireland 1–0 Austria – O'Connor strike seals win". FAI. 4 September 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
    "Report: Ireland U19 3–1 Austria U19". FAI. 6 September 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
  46. ^ "Corey O'Keeffe: Profile". UEFA. 12 October 2016. Archived from the original on 15 September 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
    "Ireland U19s miss out on UEFA Finals despite Belgium win". FAI. 28 March 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
  47. ^ "Games played by Corey O'Keeffe in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
  48. ^ "Games played by Corey O'Keeffe in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 May 2019.
  49. ^ "Games played by Corey O'Keeffe in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
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