The Northern Irish defender played 15 games in a near season-long loan spell at City from Manchester City. Initially signing at the end of August in 2009 until the following January, McGivern saw his loan spell extended until the end of the campaign.
He made his debut in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in October but never cemented his first team place. He also had a day forget against Ipswich Town in January, scoring an own goal in a 1-1 draw. A Northern Irish international, McGivern wasn't selected to feature in City's play-off games at the end of the campaign and returned to City at the end of the season.
He went on to have further loan stints at Walsall, Crystal Palace and Bristol City.