Phil Brown's first permanent signing for the Tigers provided a mixture of the past and the future when Nathan agreed a two-and-half-year deal during the January 2007 Transfer Window.

Signed for a nominal fee, Nathan is a product of Derby County's academy system and had progressed to the senior ranks during Phil's period in charge at Pride Park.

Born in Derby, he made his senior debut at Preston North End at the age of 16 on 1 November 2003 and went on to make a total of ten appearances for the Rams.

Following a 12-game loan at Notts County in 2005-06, Nathan had spent this season on loan at League One side Bradford City where he played alongside fellow Tiger Dean Windass.

He made a total of 33 appearances for the West Yorkshire Bantams.

As a mark of his undoubted potential, Nathan has represented England at all levels from Under-16 to Under-20.

It's Nathan's potential and versatility that caught the eye of his former and now current boss, as Phil told : "He's a very intelligent, aggressive and combative midfield player who found himself more of a utility player in the Under 18's and Under 19's because he could play at right-back as well as in the centre or right side of midfield."

"I like his attitude towards hard work, tackling and his commitment towards the defensive side of the game but he can also play a bit as well.

"Signing Nathan is a long-term investment to enhance the current stock of the squad in this season's survival campaign but he is also one for the future."