Belfast-born Paul Morgan came through the youth system at Preston North End and won International recognition at Under-16, Under-18 & Under-21 level during his time at Deepdale.

Despite his obvious potential, Morgan made only one senior appearance during his four years at Preston and subsequently joined the Imps on a free transfer in the summer of 2001.

He since blossomed into one of the most talented defenders in the lower leagues and a call-up into the full Northern Ireland squad was only scuppered after he picked up an injury ahead of a challenge match four months after his arrival at Sincil Bank.

Made team captain by Keith Alexander at the start of 2002/03 campaign, Morgan's decision to sign a new two-year contract at the end of March 2003 was greeted with delight by the City supporters and shortly afterwards he was leading the Imps out at the Millennium Stadium in the 2003 Play-Off Final.

His talents didn't go unnoticed the following season either as his leadership qualities seeing him named the 2004 BBC East Midlands 'Footballer of the Year' ahead of the likes of Nottingham Forest's Andy Reid and Leicester City's Ian Walker.

Morgan was one of 10 players offered a fresh contract following the completion of the 2004/05 season and he put pen-to-paper on a new three-year deal on June 17th 2005.

His appearance at Macclesfield Town on New Year's Day marked a milestone in his City career with the outing at Moss Rose being his 200th Football League appearance for the Imps.