Ian Harte

Ian Patrick Harte, born August 31, 1977, is a former professional footballer from Ireland and currently a football agent. Harte played as a left back, renowned for his long-range goals, particularly as a free kick specialist.

He came to prominence at Leeds United having signed for Howard Wilkinson in 1995. He made over 200 league appearances for the Yorkshire club over the next 9 seasons and played in many European games including runs to the semi-finals of both the UEFA Cup and the Champions League.

In 2004 Ian moved to Spain's La Liga, signing for Levante where he scored on his debut against Real Sociedad. He spent three seasons in Spain before returning to England to sign for Roy Keane at Sunderland in August 2007. He spent just one year at the Stadium of Light and, having been released in the summer of 2008, he spent the rest of that year training with various clubs, finally signing for Blackpool in December.

Ian spent just three months at Blackpool, leaving in February 2009 and joining up with Carlisle United the following month. He stayed with the Cumbrian side for just over a year, seeing out the 2009/10 season there. The following season saw him sign for Reading FC where he earned promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 2011/12 campaign.

Internationally, Harte represented the Republic of Ireland from 1996 to 2007, earning 64 caps and scoring 12 goals. He was selected for the Republic of Ireland's squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Harte participated in the 1996 UEFA European Under-18 Football Championship finals in Luxembourg for the Ireland under-19 team. He debuted for the senior national team on June 2, 1996, against Croatia. His first international goal came on his fourth appearance, a 2-0 win over Bolivia.

After 1998, despite a thriving club career, Harte's international appearances decreased, though he returned for the 2002 World Cup qualifiers. He played every minute of the qualifiers, aiding Ireland in reaching the finals. Harte also scored four goals during the campaign. However, his performance at the World Cup was hindered by a toe injury.

Harte was again called for the international team for the matches against Israel on June 4, 2005, and the Faroe Islands four days later. He scored a free kick and a penalty respectively in these matches. His final cap came during Ireland's UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, in a 2-1 win over San Marino.

In 2011, Harte criticized the national team's management when it was revealed that manager Giovanni Trapattoni was unaware that Harte, who was in excellent form for Reading, was Irish and available for national selection.