A Northern Ireland Under-21 international who came through the ranks at Southampton, before being snapped up by Fulham for a fee of around £3million ahead of the 2007/08 season.

The player, who tends to ply his trade at right-back but is as equally adept in midfield, was expected to become an integral part of the first team squad at St Mary's and made his Saints debut as a substitute in the 2-2 home draw against Aston Villa in March 2003.

He is known for his strong tackling, but is also a good distributor of the ball.

Baird was thrust into action for the FA Cup final as a tactical ploy, and played brilliantly despite Southampton going down to Arsenal. It was only his fourth appearance as a professional.

He was surprisingly loaned to Walsall at the end of September 2003, making ten appearances. He then joined Watford in mid-March 2004 for whom he played eight times.

On his return he made only his fourth Southampton appearance of 2003/04 against Charlton in the last game of the season.

Failing to get a single game in the 2004/05 season he remained a regular part of the full Northern Ireland squad, and re-established himself in the Southampton squad under manager George Burley for the 2005/06 season making 17 appearances.

He was singled out for praise by Burley and his versatility allowed him to flourish in 2006/07 in the centre back role after an injury to Claus Lundekvam.

The runaway winner of the Saints Player of the Season award, Baird made 46 starts and scored 3 goals in the campaign, before deciding to test his skills in the Premier League with Fulham.

Aided by the fact that ex Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez is in charge at Craven Cottage, Baird moved for around £3million and will bolster the Fulham defence with his ability to play anywhere across the back line.







source: soccernet

Season	League				FA Cup				Lg Cup				Europe				Other				Total
	P	G	Y	R	P	G	Y	R	P	G	Y	R	P	G	Y	R	P	G	Y	R	P	G	Y	R
2008/2009	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	0	0

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