Official 2008/08 Player of the Year Sean St. Ledger is one of the mainstays of Alan Irvine's defence after making over 100 appearances for the Lilywhites.

In the last year the Irishman has added goals to his game and is widely-regarded as one of the best defenders outside the Premier League.

Sean St Ledger was former manager Paul Simpson's second signing in July 2006, signing for an initial three years for £350,000 from Peterborough United.

The 21-year-old came through the ranks at Peterborough and made his first team debut at 17 before going on to make 91 appearances, including 49 in his final season with the Posh.

The Birmingham-born defender achieved an unprecedented feat of picking up every Posh player of the year award for the 2005/06 campaign.

After an impressive start to his first season in the Championship, Sean was called into Steve Staunton's Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Germany.

He was an unused sub on that occasion but has gained full caps under Giovanni Trapattoni, securing a regular berth at centre half for the Emerald Isle during 2009.

The winner of the player of the year award at Deepdale for 2007/08, 'Ledge' continued his run of award wins by picking up the Championship Player of the Year Award at the North West Football Awards in 2008.

'Ledge' has been a key figure as North End look to push on under Alan Irvine and he underlined his commitment to the Deepdale cause by signing a four and a half year deal in September 2008, keeping him at PNE until 2013.