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THE Sky Blues captured talented young striker Leon Best on a three-year deal from Southampton in July 2007.

The 21-year-old hit-man, who was out of contract at St Mary's, began his career at Notts County before being signed by the Saints at the end of the 2002/2003 campaign.

He made a total of 19 appearances for the South Coast outfit after making his debut as an 18-year-old at the start of the 2004/05 season, scoring four goals in nine fixtures to help them to the 2006/07 Championship play-offs

The powerfully built and skilful Republic of Ireland international bagged nine goals in 40 appearances for the Sky Blues in his maiden season.

Prior to his arrival at the Ricoh Arena he also spent a number of spells on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, Bournemouth and Yeovil.

Best enjoyed his most successful season at the Ricoh Arena in 2008/09 though, hitting the net four times in 19 starts and earning his first senior Republic of Ireland cap in a friendly clash with Nigeria.

One of those goals proved to be the winner in the Sky Blues 1-0 FA Cup fifth round win over Blackburn Rovers which set up a quarter-final tie with Premier League Chelsea.