Bird started off at Cardiff City and proved a good young Welsh hope, gaining youth and U-21 honours for the country.

Scoring 13 goals in 75 games, he eventually ended up with League of Wales Barry under Harriers assistant manager Gary Barnett.

The prolific marksman was snapped up by Jan Molby at Swansea for £30,000 and prospered but then struggled to maintain a regular first-team place when his current boss departed.

Bird signed a two-year deal with Harriers in 2000 and has proved a competitive, athletic player who is strong in the air.

But the silver-topped player was transfer listed in January 2001 before fighting his way back into Molby's plans as a right-sided midfielder where he has remained this season.

League appearances/goals: Cardiff (92/93) 9/1, (93/94) 35/5, (94/95) 19/4, (95/96) 12/3, Swansea (97/98) 41/14, (98/99) 29/3, (99/00) 16/1, Harriers (00/01) 25/1.

This season: 13 games, 1 substitute appearance, 4 goals (2 penalties).

Status: First-choice midfield.