Profile

Central defender who joined the Reds from Lincoln City following a successful trial spell at Melwood.

Another reserve team regular who became its captain, he can also play in the centre of midfield.

Because of the long-term injury to Daniel Agger, there were many who expected young Hobbs to figure in Liverpool's first-team squad in 2007-08 ... and he didn't have to wait long, coming on as a late substitute for Lucas in the League cup tie at Reading in September, 2007.

He played the whole 90 minutes of the next round against Cardiff and his league debut came when he replaced Jamie Carragher in the home match with Bolton on December 2.

A week later he started a league match for the first time ... away to Reading. Shortly afterwards, he was picked to start the League Cup fifth round tie at Chelsea.

The arrival of Martin Skrtel diminished Hobbs' chances of a long run in the first team. So it wasn't a major surprise that on January 24, 2008 Liverpool reached an agreement with Scunthorpe United for the player to go out on loan for the rest of the season, where at least he would have the opportunity to play regularly in the Championship.

Although Hobbs made nine appearances, scoring once, Scunthorpe were relegated back to League One after a single season in the higher division. Hobbs was loaned to Leicester City for the 2008-09 season and performed so well his move was made permanent in April 2009.

Other clubs: Lincoln, Scunthorpe (loan), Leicester