McLeish talks up ‘future star’ O’Shea

BIRMINGHAM CITY manager Alex McLeish believes he has snapped up another fine prospect from the Irish football production line after signing winger James O’Shea.

The 20-year-old joined the Blues from Galway United yesterday on a two-year deal with the option of a further two years.

O’Shea, who has been capped three times by Republic of Ireland U21s, is treading a similar path to that of midfielder Keith Fahey, who impressed hugely after joining Birmingham from St Patrick’s Athletic last January.

And that parallel certainly hasn’t been lost on McLeish.

“James is a quick young winger with good feet,’’ Mcleish said.

“We had him over to take a look at him last season but it was at a stage where we’d already taken on players on loan and we couldn’t do a deal.

“He came back on the radar quite recently and he’s a good young prospect we hope can be a future star.

“We took a bit of a gamble with Keith Fahey coming over last year and he’s been a revelation. He was excellent in our bid to get back to the Premier League. “James is not for going into the team right now.

“We felt he was worth a wee shout because he didn’t cost the earth but is hopefully one we can turn into a top player.’’