Four-time Irish League champion hoping for similar success in England - may need to leave the Withdean to do that
Galway-born Hawkins began his career as a youth player at Coventry City but was released without making a breakthrough in the east Midlands.
The tall centre-back quickly got his career back on track in his homeland starring for the Republic of Ireland Under-20’s and also for club side St Patrick’s where he won two League of Ireland titles and was named FAI Player of the Year in 1998.
The tough-tackling defender went on to win two more league championships with Bohemians and Shelbourne before returning to Coventry City in January 2007. Hawkins signed for Brighton after a successful loan spell at Chesterfield during the latter stages of 2007/08 and looks set to give the Seagulls much needed experience.