Finnan was a really good full back. Probably the best we've had since steve nicol. He had a good understanding of the basics of defending, (which is very rare in the modern game) kept his position very well, defended the back post properly, and very little ever came down his side. You didn't notice him making spectacular tackles, or last ditch lunges, because things rarely got that far. He was very good on the ball, and was a good reader of the game. he was technically consistent, two footed, and good in possession. He was very comfortable playing on the right side of Midfield for the republic, and before he ever came to us, he had been in the pfa team of the season (he was the third consecutive irish player to be chosen as right back) He wasn't particularly spectacular or showy, but he was a strong professional, and a stylish player. People underrated him because he made things look easy. He came to us quite late in his career, and my one regret is that we didn't buy him sooner.