James O'Shea is pictured at St. Andrew's this afternoon after signing a two year deal with Blues

Blues boss Alex McLeish believes he has snapped up another fine prospect from the Irish football production line after bagging young winger James O'Shea.

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

Highly rated in his homeland, O'Shea, who has been capped three times by Republic of Ireland Under-21s, is treading a similar path to that of midfielder Keith Fahey who last season joined Blues from St. Patrick's.

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

The Blues boss told bcfc.com: "James is a quick young winger with good feet.

"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.

James O'Shea in action for Galway United

"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. He was one of the main catalysts.

"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."

Regarded as one of Ireland's brightest talents, O'Shea was Galway's top scorer last season with 10 goals and was named captain for their 2009 League of Ireland campaign.

The Dublin-born player can operate on the right side of midfield or as a striker.

He began his career with Home Farm and Bray Wanderers before signing for Galway in December 2007.