One to Watch – Chris Burke

Name: Chris Burke

Date of Birth: 2/12/1983

Nationality: Scotland

Former Clubs: Rangers, Cardiff

League Appearances (Goals): 289 (49)

International Appearances (Goals): 5 (2)

Player History:

Chris Burke was a product of the Rangers` youth system joining the club in 2000. He first broke into the Rangers first team in 2002 and scored on his debut against Kilmarnock in March. He became a regular player in the Rangers squad and was involved in the club’s 2003/04 Champions League campaign. In the opening game of the 2004/05 season at Aberdeen, Burke fainted on the pitch and was unfortunately ruled out of action for almost the whole season with a mysterious virus.

He featured in the Rangers side for the majority of the 2005/2006 season but injuries hampered his progress and despite signing a new contract in 2007 he struggled to maintain his place in the side. Having scored 11 times in 96 league appearances for his boyhood club he eventually signed for Championship side Cardiff City in January 2009 on a free transfer. Burke`s first Cardiff goal came towards the end of the season in a 2-2 draw with Charlton.

The midfielder played an instrumental part in his side`s progression towards the playoff final in 2010 but was unable to see them over the line as they lost 3-2 to Blackpool. He finished with 10 goals that season but was again unable to help his side to promotion as they fell at the last hurdle in the playoffs the following season. Having made 102 league appearances, netting 15 times, in his two and half years in Wales, Burke left Cardiff after failing to agree a new contract.

The Scot joined Birmingham on a two-year deal in July 2011 on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling. He made his Birmingham debut on the opening day of the season in a 2-1 defeat to Derby County and was part of the starting eleven in Birmingham`s first match in a major European competition for nearly 50 years. He has already made over 100 appearances in all competitions for Birmingham.

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