Chris Kirkland

Having previously played only one senior game for Coventry City before the start of 2000-01, Chris made tremendous progress and, by the summer of 2001, he could rightly claim that he was the club's number one goalkeeper.

He got an unexpected call up to first team duty against Tottenham Hotspur in October due to Magnus Hedman's injury and, although he was controversially sent off the following week at Chelsea (a decision later rescinded), he went on to enjoy a short run in the line-up.

He created a great impression with some fine performances and, after another short spell in the team over Christmas, he took over from the out-of-form Hedman in March.

Growing in confidence all the time, he was particularly inspiring in the home game with Chelsea when he pulled off half a dozen outstanding saves.

Despite the disappointment of relegation for the Sky Blues, he capped a fine personal season when he made his debut for England Under-21s against Mexico during the summer.

After a loan spell, Chris joined Wigan Athletic in October 2006 with a contract to June 2009 that was extended to June 2012 in May 2008.