A deadline day signing from neighbours West Bromwich Albion, Davies has signed on an initial season-long loan, with a view to a permanent transfer next summer.

He became Albion's most expensive defender when he moved to The Hawthorns in a £3m transfer from Luton in August 2005.

After initially linking up with the Hatters as a 16-year-old trialist, he earned a scholarship at Kenilworth Road before breaking into the first team as an 18-year-old. He went on to make 62 appearances for the club, scoring twice, and was a key figure as Luton won the League One title in 2004-05, when he won that division's Player of the Season award.

Following his switch to Albion, he quickly established himself at the heart of the Baggies defence and was an ever-present for the final 33 Premiership games of 2005-06.

He was handed the captain's armband on several occasions before being appointed skipper for last season.