
Damien started on the Burnley youth programme, and upon completion went for trials at Hartlepool United and Accrington Stanley. He impressed at both, and was offered terms at Stanley, which he accepted in 2003. After a month in the reserves, with some highly impressive displays that drew comment upon his pace and finishing, he was put on full Conference Forms. He was sent on loan to Rossendale United for three months and upon his return broke into the first team. Damien decided to look for more first team football, and joined Celtic, however, first team football was not to be found, and he left Celtic in search of pastures new..