Carsley began his career at Derby County where he made a name for himself as a tough tackling, anchoring midfielder. His reputation earned him a £3.5 million move to Blackburn Rovers' where, after a slow start, he flourished. He was made club captain under Tony Parkes during the 1999/00 season and revelled in his role of penalty taker - scoring a number of key goals.

His ability to shield the defence whilst also getting forward to support the forwards saw him emerge as one of the best midfielders in the first division, and cement his place in the Republic of Ireland squad. A combination of his penalties and good sense of when to join in attacks saw him crowned top scorer at Ewood Park in 1999/00.

Blackburn fans were upset when their star player handed in a transfer request during the summer and although he later retracted it, Carsley struggled to command a regular first team place under Souness. But the Republic of Ireland remains a quality player, and so Gordon Strachan didn't have to think twice about taking the midfielder to Highfield Road.

He moved to Everton in February 2002, in a bid to toughen up their midfield as they battled against relegation. It worked, as they were steered clear of the drop zone by David Moyes. Carsley was included in the Republic of Ireland's World Cup squad, but an injury in a warm-up game meant that he did not play in the finals.