Squad Profiles - Senior

IT would be fair to say that not so long ago Colin Murdock had reached something of a crossroads in his career.

Capped by Northern Ireland throughout his youth great things were expected of the Ballymena man when he joined Manchester United from school, but his determination to study for a law degree meant regular trips across the Irish Sea and in five seasons at Old Trafford he failed to make a first team appearance.

A move to Preston North End followed in 1997/98 and finally things looked to be picking up. He established himself at the heart of the Lilywhites defence just in time to coincide with their promotion to the English First Division and then very nearly to the promised land that is the Premiership.

At around the same time he was handed his full Northern Ireland debut by Sammy McIlroy in the 3-1 defeat of Luxembourg, coming on for Mark Williams midway through the second half.

It wasn't long before he was handed a regular starting role and was an integral part of the squad throughout the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.

However a series of injuries coupled with some disappointing performaces saw him sit out most of the Euro 2004 campaign.

He was placed on the transfer list early in 2003 before making the switch north to join SPL side Hibs. However the move didn't work out quite how he liked and, after a period on the sidelines towards the end of last year, he was on his travels once more joining Championship side Crewe Alexandra.

Internationally, Lawrie Sanchez has placed great faith on Colin in the heart of the defence, rewarding him with a cluster of appearances.

Indeed, in recent games he has thrived. A goal against Austria followed by a gritty, determined display against the English - on his return to the Theatre Of Dreams - has helped his career and profile reach heights unimaginable but a few short months ago.

In the summer of 2005 he moved to League One side Rotherham United.