Walsh was a pacey skillful forward. He began his career at Charlton Athletic, whom he helped get promoted into the Second Division in 1980-81. After a time at Luton Town, Walsh moved to Liverpool, where he was named in the PFA Team of the Year in his debut season. He helped win the league title and Football League Super Cup. Walsh made most of his appearances (128) for Tottenham Hotspur, scoring nineteen goals.