The Irish international played 13 games at Leicester while on-loan from Manchester City during the 2010-11 season. Sven-Goran Eriksson, who knew Cunningham from his time in Manchester as City manager, brought him to the club to bolster Leicester's defence. He could have spent longer at the Walkers Stadium after impressing in the games he played, but he was sidelined for four months through injury after fracturing his tibia in a game against Hull City, forcing him back to his parent club.

Cunningham was a left-back who could also play on the left side of the midfield, and he kept Bruno Berner out of the side during his stint with the Foxes, forcing the Swiss international to consider his future at the club. He started his career with Cregmore FC before moving on to Mervue United, where he caught the eye of Manchester City and joined their academy.

He was capped at U21 level for the Republic of Ireland and has also been called-up for the senior side, making three appearances. With City spending millions to bolster their squad, Cunningham has struggled for chances with them in the Premier League and he joined Nottingham Forest on a loan deal in October 2011.