Birthplace: Warrington

Steve signed a two-year deal with Burnley in June 2006 after spurning the advances of several other Championship clubs to sign from Crewe Alexandra.

The defender, who can operate anywhere along the back line, is yet another result of Dario Gradi's famed conveyor belt of talent - having been with the club since the age of 12.

A former England Schoolboy international, Steve emerged from Crewe's highly acclaimed Academy, turning professional in 1998 and making his debut that August against Bury.

A consistent and dependable defender, Foster became a regular during the 2000/01 campaign and in the 2003/04 season missed just one game, earning him the 'Players Player of the Year' award.

Foster again proved to be the Alex's most dependable defender the following season, when several Premiership clubs showed an interest before a knee operation cut short his campaign.

Having established himself in central defence, the Warrington-born stopper went on to make almost 250 appearances for the Railwaymen before rejecting a new deal following their relegation to League One in May 2006.

However, he struggled to hold down a regular starting role at Turf Moor, making just nine first team starts in his first season.