Keith Fahey signs new deal at Birmingham City
Keith Fahey has signed a new deal at Birmingham City which ties him to the club until the end of the 2012/2013 season, with manager Alex McLeish describing his determination as "inspirational".
The Irish midfielder's contract was due to expire in 2012 but Blues said the new deal recognised the 27-year-old's contribution to the club since joining from League of Ireland side St Patrick's Athletic in January 2009.
McLeish told bcfc.com: "Keith has proved to me that he's a Premier League player.
"Having had trials that didn't work out at clubs when he was younger, he is a brilliant example to young players in that, if at first you don't succeed, you should try and try again.
"He got a second chance and he has grabbed it. His is an inspirational story.
"Keith is a brilliant lad who is well liked and is a great professional. All of those qualities make him a manager's dream but it shouldn't be forgotten that he's a very good footballer too."
Fahey has played 59 games for Blues, including 36 starts, and scored four goals.
At the end of May he made his full international debut for the Republic of Ireland as a substitute in a 2-1 friendly win against Paraguay.
