Kevin Kilbane joined Sunderland midway through the 1999/2000 season and has been a crucial part of the Republic of Ireland squad since.

The 24-year-old played in all 10 of Ireland's group qualifying matches plus the two play-off games against Iran and scored twice on the way.

But he may not be assured of his place in the starting line-up, following the resurgent form of Damien Duff.

Kilbane started his career at Preston before joining West Bromwich Albion at the start of the 1997/1998 campaign.