She scored in the semi-final of the 1984 European Competition for Women's Football, in which England reached the final before losing to Sweden on penalties.
Domestically she won the Women's FA Cup in the 1979–80 season with St Helens, and reached three other finals as runner-up with the club during the 1980s.
[3][2] Upon retirement from the game she trained as a coach, including a spell in charge of England's Under-21 ladies.
In 1989 Deighan founded and managed Newton Ladies FC, the team who would eventually become Liverpool F.C.
[4] She was allotted 21 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme to honour the 50th anniversary of England’s inaugural international.