PLAYER PROFILE

Ian Harte

Position: Defence

Height: 6'0

Weight: 12st 4lbs

Date of Birth: 1977-08-31 Drogheda, Republic of Ireland

Ian Harte

Ian Harte has battled against uncertainty over his place at the start of the 2001/02 season to truly establish himself as one of Leeds United's star players. A reputation that was cemented when he was offered a new four year contract along with the likes of Mark Viduka and Olivier Dacourt in the summer of 2001.

Harte first broke into the side as a young wing-back and was best known as the nephew of established Leeds player - Gary Kelly. But after establishing himself on the left-hand side Harte has grown in confidence and stature, earning regular call-ups to the republic of Ireland side and developing a reputation as one of the best attacking full-backs in the Premiership.

His ability to score goals is a key weapon in Harte's armoury and he possesses a wicked left foot shot that is particularly effective in dead ball situations. This was exploited to it’s full in Leeds’ 3-2 victory over Arsenal towards the end of the 2002/03 season, when Harte curled a wonderful free kick past the hapless David Seaman taking his tally to four goals for the season.

The Irishman attracted the interest of a number of big clubs, including Barcelona but stayed with Leeds and was a valued member of Peter Reid’s side for Leeds' 2003/2004 campaign.

However, he moved on a that end of that campaign, joining Spanish side Levante.

He was released at the end of the 2006/07 season and joined Sunderland in August 2007.