Gary Walsh was the only ever-present in the City side last season and played a huge part in the club winning promotion to the top flight for the first time in 77 years.

The former Manchester United star proved to be an astute signing by Chris Kamara and his form at the start of this season made him the form keeper in the Premiership.

Anyone who went to Highbury in August will never forget his star showing which meant City escaped with a 2-0 defeat when Arsenal had threatened to run riot.

However, flu saw him miss the trip to Anfield and when his understudy Matt Clarke impressed against Liverpool, Paul Jewell opted to retain Clarke and Walsh had to be content with a place on the bench.

And just a week later Walsh was forced to undergo a cartilage operation which City hoped would keep him out for a maximum eight weeks.

However, the operation was not a success and one of the most likeable people at Valley Parade was forced to again go under the surgeon's knife.

It is a bitter blow for Walsh who, before being struck down by injury and illness, had been establishing himself as one of the best top-flight goalkeepers.

Walsh spent nine years at Old Trafford and his career highlights include playing in front of 120,000 fans at Barcelona' Nou Camp stadium.

He then moved on to Middlesbrough before joining City.

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