A Northern Ireland international, Colin started his career at Manchester United around the same time as Grant Brebner was at that club. Brought to Easter Road last summer by Bobby Williamson, Colin settled well at the club never playing better perhaps than when given the responsibilities of team captain after serious injuries to Ian Murray and Grant Brebner saw both absent for much of the 2003/04 season.

Tony Mowbray had particular praise for Colin at the start of the current campiagn, pointing out where he beleived the players strengths lay and there is little doubt that in pre-season Colin stood out in the Hibs defence.