Following the first injury, the Republic of Ireland international had made a perfect comeback when notching two goals in a 5-0 rout of West Ham at Anfield, and immediately set his sights on holding down his favourite midfield role, having spent the majority of his Pool career battling with Rob Jones for the right-wing-back slot. It was not to be though. As a player who is capable of making brave and aggressive runs into the opposition's danger areas, it is not surprising to know that he comes from the famous McAteer boxing family, his uncles, Pat and Les, both being British champions.