Phil Brown's first permanent signing for the Tigers provided a mixture of the past and the future when Nathan agreed a two-and-half-year deal during the January 2007 Transfer Window.

Signed for a nominal fee, Nathan is a product of Derby County's academy system and had progressed to the senior ranks during Phil's period in charge at Pride Park.

Born in Derby, he made his senior debut at Preston North End at the age of 16 on 1 November 2003 and went on to make a total of ten appearances for the Rams.

Following a 12-game loan at Notts County in 2005-06, Nathan had spent this season on loan at League One side Bradford City where he played alongside fellow Tiger Dean Windass.

He made a total of 33 appearances for the West Yorkshire Bantams.

As a mark of his undoubted potential, Nathan has represented England at all levels from Under-16 to Under-20.

It wasn't until the final day of the season that he made his Tigers debut when Plymouth Argyle visited the KC Stadium.

Nathan then had to wait until the final home game of the campaign for his first and only league appearance of the 2007-08 season.

His patience was duly rewarded with an outstanding display when coming on to play in an unfamiliar left-back role in the win against Crystal Palace that secured the Tigers' place in the Play-Offs.

Nathan's end of season involvement progressed to fairytale proportions in the second leg of the Play-Off semi-final against Watford.

On the day that he became a father, his first senior goal in the last minute amid wild celebrations at the KC Stadium secured the Tigers first-ever trip to Wembley followed, ultimately, by promotion to the top flight for the first time in our history.

Nathan made his first Premier League appearance in the Boxing Day defeat against Manchester City and, despite his natural position, has been a regular scorer in the reserves.