PLAYER PROFILE

Kevin Kilbane

Position: Midfield

Height: 6'0

Weight: 12st 7lbs

Date of Birth: 1977-02-01 Preston, England

Kevin Kilbane

Kevin Kilbane arrived at Sunderland with a reputation as one of the best wingers outside the Premiership, West Brom boss Brian Little was gutted to lose his Republic of Ireland star for just £2.5million in December 1999.

Peter Reid saw Kevin as a replacement for Allan Johnston. With pace and skill, the Republic of Ireland international can provide left flank crosses for the strikers. Though he also enjoys bagging a few goals himself and can often be found in the opposing penalty area.

The Irish winger began his career at Deepdale where he made over 50 appearances for Preston before making the switch to West Brom for £1million - becoming the Baggies' first ever million pound player.

However, as Sunderland started their decline, Kilbane's form nosedived as well, with his own fans turning on him at times. He was given a way out of his nightmare in August 2003 when he left the Black Cats and joined Everton in a £1million deal.

He linked up again with David Moyes, who had coached Kilbane as a youngster at Preston North End. His first season at Goodison Park earned him the nickname "Zinedine Kilbane" because of his pace and skill.

He was ever present in the first team during the 2003/04 season, scoring four goals and continuing to represent the Republic of Ireland. This form only continued into the 2004/05 season in what was arguably his, but definatly Everton's best season.

Kilbane made 43 appearances and scored once as Everton claimed 4th spot in the Barclays Premiership and clinched the final Champions League spot.

He continued in fine form on the international front as he made 10 appearances and scoring once for the Republic of Ireland. In 2005/06, he was pretty much ever-present for an Everton side who struggled with injuries and form before managing a revival in the second half of the season.

However, just weeks into the 2006/07 season he was sold to Wigan Athletic and his experience proved vital for the Latics as they beat relegation on the final day. Kilbane played 36 games and scored one goal all in all, and was again an important player in 07/08.