The combative, box-to-box midfielder, was in need of first-team football when he joined City in March 2010 from Premier League giants Liverpool. Spearing had been tipped for big things at Anfield and he made nine appearances at City to get his career off the ground.
He scored one goal for the club, in the 4-1 home win over Watford, and helped City to the Championship play-off final against Cardiff City. The defensive midfielder had a never-say-die attitude but went back to Liverpool following the completion of his loan stint, and was included in their 21-man squad for the 2010-11 Premier League campaign. He went on to become a key cog in Liverpool's squad under Kenny Dalglish.
