[2][3] Born in Dublin, Ryan began his career at Bohemians on 9 February 1975 and after 14 goals in 53 appearances he earned a move to Derby County in 1977.
He was later moved to Brighton for £100,000 with whom he played in the 1983 FA Cup Final against Manchester United before his career was ended in 1985 after a broken leg sustained in a tackle from Crystal Palace's Henry Hughton.
[2] Ryan made his debut in April 1978, when he played in a 4–2 win against Turkey in a friendly at Lansdowne Road.
Ryan's last appearance in a green shirt came in 1984 when he played in a scoreless draw against Mexico at Dalymount Park.
A testimonial in August 1986 provided the funds to buy an 18th century old coaching house, The Witch Inn in Lindfield, West Sussex, which he ran.