The talented defender has a simple aim in his first season at The City Ground - to establish himself as a regular in Colin Calderwood's starting line-up.

He was frustrated by lack of first team opportunities at his previous club Preston, prompting him to complete a £300,000 switch to Forest during the summer.

League One rivals Leeds and Doncaster also tried to secure his services - he agreed personal terms with Leeds and even underwent a medical before pulling out of the move - but the prospect of joining the Club he supports proved too strong a lure.

Born and raised in the Strelley area of Nottingham, he launched his career as a trainee with Notts County and went on to make more than 80 appearances for The Magpies before attracting the attention of then Preston boss Billy Davies.

He moved to Deepdale in March 2006 but was limited to just 30 appearances at senior level for club.

Although capable of playing in either full back position, he regards himself first and foremost as a central defender.

Forest debut: August 11, 2007 v Bournemouth (H) League One