An experienced international defender with more than 50 caps for Israel, Tal Ben Haim linked up with his former national team, Chelsea and Portsmouth manager Avram Grant on loan in August 2010.

After winning the Israeli Premier League title with Maccabi Tel Aviv in his homeland, Ben Haim moved to English football in summer 2004, and has since turned out in the colours of five English clubs.

A versatile defender, Ben Haim can operate as either a centre-half or both full-back positions.

2010/11

Joined West Ham United on a five-month loan on Tuesday 3 August 2010...Made his West Ham United debut by starting the home Carling Cup second-round victory over Oxford United on 24 August 2010...Made his Barclays Premier League debut in the 3-0 home defeat by Chelsea on 11 September 2010.

International career

Handed his senior international debut for Israel in a 7-1 friendly defeat by Germany in Kaiserslautern on 13 February 2002…Quickly became a regular under Avram Grant...Earned 25 senior caps under Avram Grant…Narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup after going unbeaten in all ten qualifying matches.

Before West Ham United

Began his career with Maccabi Tel Aviv…Won the Israeli Premier League title in 2003…Moved to Bolton Wanderers in summer 2004, going on to make 110 appearances over the following three seasons…Moved to Chelsea in summer of 2007, a month before Avram Grant's arrival at Stamford Bridge as Director of Football…Totalled 20 appearances during his single season at Chelsea, helping the Blues to finish as runners-up in the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and League Cup…Joined Manchester City in July 2008…Made 15 appearances for Manchester City before moving to Sunderland on loan in February 2009…Moved to Portsmouth in August 2009, making 24 appearances in all competitions.

Any other business

Is friends with paranormalist and fellow Israeli Uri Geller.