He may have struggled to find the net on a regular basis, but only a fool would underestimate Thompson's value
Never a prolific goalscorer, Thompson netted just 18 goals in 133 appearances for first club Dundee United, but his strong hold-up play and work ethic were rewarded with a full Scotland cap against France in 2002.
A year later, he clinched a move to Rangers in a swap deal with Billy Dodds and, supplied with more chances, his strike-rate improved at Ibrox (17 goals in 62 games) until the arrival of Dado Prso and Nacho Novo left him on the outside looking in.
In January 2006, Thompson completed a £250,000 move to Cardiff and has since been on a rollercoaster ride, finding himself transfer listed yet becoming a regular in the club’s FA Cup run of 2007/08.
By the end of that campaign he had netted 15 goals in 93 appearances and had formed a solid understanding with Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink.