 Born in Mosul in March 1978, he started his playing career with local club Sulaymaniyah FC in 2004.With his brother an integral part of the Iraqi Olympic side and national senior team, Halkard thrived at club level, spending his first two years establishing his place as one of the nation's burgeoning stars.He was first thrust into the international arena in the 2006 AFC Youth Championship, when he played in all four of Iraq's matches and was on target in the 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia.