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Toner has played twice for Northern Ireland against Italy and Spain as well as an appearance on the bench in a tie against Liechenstien. Those forays in the international scene were backed up by 17 under 21 caps adding to the midfielders impressive CV.
Toner started out as a trainee at Tottenham enjoying loan spells with Peterborough and Bristol Rovers. Following his release by Spurs he signed for Leyton Orient, for whom he scored once last season. The end of his spell at Orient was signalled by a sending off on the last day of the season meaning he will miss Citys first three games.
Rayner started with AFC Bournemouth as a junior before a spell with Welsh side Barry Town. He later switched clubs west of the border, joining top Welsh outfit Port Talbot. Trials followed at Millwall and Newcastle before he joined the Imps pre season campaign. Following international clearance from the Welsh FA he is now clear to push Mazza for the spot between the sticks.
Rayner played 31 times for Port Talbot last season as they finished 11th in the Premier League of Wales. In 2002 he appeared in the Champions League for Barry Town who went out 6-0 on aggregate to Skonta Riga, losing 1-0 in the home leg. That night Latvia's pacy striker Verpakovskis set up the only goal of the game, which confirms Rayners experience as a solid goalkeeper. The towering keeper was much fancied by Canadian supporters to feature in goal for their national side, and perhaps his first contract in English football will give him a chance to show both us and our Canadian friends exactly what he can do.
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