Rob Kiernan

Watford

Kiernan was born in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, and began his football career as a youngster with Watford. Watford sent two youth squads to the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland in the summer of 2008. Kiernan was moved from his natural position of central midfielder to play centre-half, to take advantage of his height and physical presence, and also captained the side. His performances drew praise from his then coach Mark Warburton. Later that summer, Kiernan was called up by the Ireland under-19 team for a four-nation tournament, but he had to withdraw after tearing his right thigh muscle. Kiernan captained Watford's under-18 side in 2008–09, in which they reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup. In October 2008, he, together with fellow second-year scholars Billy Gibson and Ross Jenkins, signed "developmental contracts" – professional contracts signed earlier than usual, allowing the players to continue their scholarships without the pressure of worrying about the future –to run until the end of the 2009–10 season. When Brendan Rodgers was appointed Watford manager in November 2008, Kiernan began to take part in some first-team training sessions. He was included in the senior matchday squad for the first time on 24 January 2009 for an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road, and made his debut as a 90th-minute substitute, replacing Gavin Hoyte, as Watford won 4–3. Although he made no more first-team appearances that season, he…

Kiernan has captained the Republic of Ireland national football team at age-group levels. He qualified to play for Ireland as his father was born in County Wexford.

As of match played 29 November 2021

Rangers Scottish Championship: 2015–16 Scottish Challenge Cup: 2015–16 Orange County SC USL Championship: 2021