Arriving from Sunderland in August 2009, Paul is currently enjoying his second spell with the Tigers.

The versatile defender, who can play at right-back or in central defence, first joined the club on a loan capacity in August 2008. The Republic of Ireland international was a key component of the City side that took the Premier League by storm during the opening months of the campaign. As well as starring in the Tigers' victories over Arsenal and Tottenham, the defender scored the opening goal in a memorable 2-2 draw at Anfield.

Born in Kilpedder in County Wicklow, Paul began his career playing schoolboy football in his native Ireland before signing for Manchester United's prestigious youth academy in 2002. Although part of the United side that won the FA Youth Cup in 2003, Paul was unable to break into the first team at Old Trafford.

After successful loan spells at Walsall and Brighton, Paul joined Championship side West Brom on a free transfer in August 2006. He made 31 league starts for the Baggies, including starring in their play off final defeat to Derby. It was notably whilst at West Brom that Paul received his first call up for the Republic of Ireland national side. Making his debut against the Czech Republic in October 2006, he burst onto the scene with a man-of-the-match display.

Although missing out on promotion with West Brom, Paul was soon given the opportunity to play in the Premier League as newly promoted Sunderland forked out £2.5m to secure his services in July 2007. Making his debut in the Black Cats' 1-0 opening day defeat of Tottenham, the defender went on to make 22 top-flight appearances prior to his loan to Hull.

After rejoining the Tigers on a permanent basis in August 2009, Paul became a regular in the side, playing mainly at right back, although his displays couldn't prevent relegation to the Championship.

Although a niggling hamstring injury disrupted Paul's start to the 2010/11 campaign, he has gone on to re-establish himself as a key figure on the right of the City back four.

The combative defender continues to be a regular in the Ireland squad. Part of the side that was denied a place in the 2010 World Cup finals after a controversial play-off defeat against France, he also lined up alongside Kevin Kilbane in Ireland's first ever game at the Aviva Stadium in August 2010.

Paul joined Crystal Palace on loan in January 2012.