History is littered with talented English footballers that have had their careers blighted by injuries.
In more recent times, the likes of Ledley King, Kieron Dyer, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen, all of whom have recently retired, spent far too much of their time on the treatment table.
Another player to have suffered a similar fate was Dean Ashton, although there was no sign of the fitness problems that were to come when he was unveiled as a Norwich City player 10 years ago today.
The 21-year-old had been making headlines in the Championship with Crewe Alexandra, for whom he had scored 17 goals since the start of the 2004-05 campaign.
Such form convinced Premier League Norwich that the centre-forward was worth parting with a club-record £3m, with the fee potentially rising by a further £500,000.
Speaking about his new recruit, Canaries boss Nigel Worthington said: "Dean is one of the best young strikers in the country and has scored goals for Crewe on a consistent basis. I'm delighted that we've been able to attract such a young talent to Carrow Road."
Meanwhile, Crewe boss Dario Gradi, who has launched the careers of many footballers at Gresty Road, insisted that the England Under-21 international was ready for the top flight.
"It is time for him to go on and test himself at a higher level. He is ready and heading in the right direction," he said. "Norwich are a good club. They are a very well run club, and it would be a great chance for him if he wants to go there
"I've made no secret of the fact that I would like Dean to stay into the summer, but with Norwich trying to retain their Premiership status, the deal is now or never for them. We understand that, and maybe the offer wouldn't be there in the summer."
Ashton went on to score an impressive 10 Premier League goals between his arrival and the end of the season, including match-winning strikes against Newcastle United and Birmingham City.
However, his impact could not keep Norwich in the Premier League following their relegation on the final day of the season.
He remained with the Norfolk club throughout the summer of 2005 and went on to score seven times in the Championship, but the frontman would depart for West Ham United 12 months after his arrival for £7m - a record fee received by Norwich.
It was at Upton Park, though, where the injuries would take hold, resulting in his retirement at just 26.
Liam Apicella
