Bought in January 2009 by Mark Hughes from Newcastle United, where he made 354 Premier League appearances.

The most capped keeper in the Republic of Ireland’s history, he immediately established himself as first choice at City ahead of Joe Hart.

He made his debut against Middlesbrough on February 7, keeping a clean sheet, and was an ever-present for the rest of the campaign, adding another four shut-outs in the league and Uefa Cup.

Shay was outstanding in 2009-10, but his campaign was cruelly ended early when he dislocated a shoulder in the goalless draw at Arsenal on April 24. He missed the vital last three games and is also expected to be out for the start of 2010-11. 

As a junior he had a trial at Glasgow Celtic but eventually signed for Kenny Dalglish at Blackburn, where he understudied England international Tim Flowers.

Loan spells followed at both Swindon and Sunderland, where he helped the latter to Premier League promotion in 1996 with 12 clean sheets in just 17 outings.

Shay joined Newcastle in the summer of 1997, again teaming up with Dalglish and became a legendary figure there. He also amassed 91 international appearances by the time he joined City. He has now taken that tally past the 100 mark, despite missing out on the World Cup Finals this summer.