Gareth McAuley signed for the Foxes in June 2006 from Lincoln City on a three-year contract.

The Northern Ireland international had joined the Imps on the eve of the 2004/05 season from Coleraine for an undisclosed fee, and enjoyed two impressive seasons at Sincil Bank.

The 6'3" centre back, who represented his country at 'B' international level against Scotland in the 2003/04 season, signed for Coleraine in July 2002 from Crusaders, whom he joined in August 2000 following brief spells with Linfield and Ballyclare Comrades.

He turned out to be an astute acquisition by Keith Alexander and quickly became a popular figure amongst the Lincoln supporters with his two goals against Macclesfield Town in the 2004/05 League 2 Play-Off Semi-Finals - booking the Imps a place in the Final at the Millennium Stadium.

McAuley's form throughout his first season in the Football League was rewarded when he won his first full international cap for Northern Ireland when he came on as a second half substitute in a friendly against Germany at Windsor Park on June 4 2005.

Gareth made his first start for the Foxes in their 2-0 victory over Macclesfield Town at the Walkers Stadium in August 2006. His full league debut came against Colchester United the following month.

After a promising first season, the player began the 2007-08 campaign in the  centre-back slot against Blackpool.

Player Charity 2007 - 08