The former Blackburn Rovers defender did, unfortunately, suffer from injuries but emerged as a stout partner for Jaap Stam and a regular contributor, particularly in Europe.
Unfortunately, knee-ligament damage sustained in the Champions League semi-final first leg with Juventus ruled him out of the incredible climax, and denied him the chance to perform at the Nou Camp against Bayern Munich, when he may well have started, allowing Ronny Johnsen to move into midfield.
"Even if I hadn’t played many of the Premier League games, the manager felt that I was more suited to play in Europe and in the big games, and those two games against Inter were where I did some decisive things for the team that were easy to see others to see and remember.