The 22-year-old local product came through Birmingham's Academy system at St Andrew's to make his first team debut against Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup in September 2005.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international made his Premiership debut three months later when he started against Fulham in a 1-0 win.

The central defender or left-back went on to start five games for the club as well as being introduced as a substitute in four others.

Signed on a three-month loan deal that was made permanent on January 31, 2007.

He also signed a new extension to his current deal during the early stages of the 2008/09 Championship campaign but suffered a knee injury at home against Southampton in October, ruling him out of the remainder of the campaign.

But his work off the pitch didn't go unoticed as he was named 'Clubman of the Year' at the end of the season.

Painter made his return from injury during the club's pre-season tour to Catalonia and played his first competitive game against Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup.