Born and raised, and spending his entire playing career (apart from 15 appearances for the Portland Timbers based in Oregon), in England, he made two appearances for the Republic of Ireland national team at international level, qualifying through his Irish-born father.
Donovan played for Grimsby Town, Aston Villa, Oxford United (loan), Portland Timbers, Burnley and Rotherham United during his club career, and also played for Ireland's national team on two occasions.
He joined Villa for £72,000 in 1979 after establishing himself as a prolific scorer during three seasons with his hometown club Grimsby Town, helping them gain promotion from the Fourth Division.
[2] Donovan contributed two goals in Villa's 5 – 0 victory over Valur in the early stages of 1981–82 European Cup.
His late Irish father, Don Donovan, also represented Everton, Grimsby Town and the Republic of Ireland internationally.