In fact, Mills started his career at his hometown club, but England Under-21 recognition was not matched by the club, who continued to play him away from his best position at right-back.

Alan Curbishley offered Mills a role in a Nationwide League representative match against an Italian side. He liked what he saw and bought Mills days later for £350,000.

That season with Charlton was a rollercoaster ride that ended with a £4million move to Leeds United, with the player turning down Sheffield Wednesday. Not a bad profit for the Addicks - and a slap in the face for Norwich.

Became first choice right back over the course of the 2000/01 season as Leeds reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, keeping former skipper Gary Kelly out of the side.

Has won over the critics among the United fans to become an important player for David O'Leary's side.

The Under-21 international call-ups continued, and his form then earned him a recall into the full England side in May 2001 for the friendly with Mexico and the World Cup qualifier against Greece. It was exactly two years since he had last been in the full squad.

England manager Sven Goran Eriksson continued to select Mills for the England squad but the right-back faces tough competition for competitive starts.

Has undoubted ability but his unerring ability to commit petulant fouls and get his team into trouble may curb his England career. His red card for a pointless kick aimed at former Norwich team-mate and Newcastle forward Craig Bellamy being the perfect example.

Was named in England's squad for the 2002 World Cup, and a broken bone in the foot of first choice right back Gary Neville handed Mills the number two jersey.

It was Mills' error in the opening group game against Sweden which cost England victory, but he recovered from that disappointment to be a solid performer as Sven's men reached the quarter-finals.