Fahey grateful for second chance at Birmingham City

Jan 2 2009 By Colin Tattum

KEITH Fahey has admitted signing for Blues represents his second and last chance at making the grade in England.

The attacking midfielder, Blues’ opening capture of the transfer window from St Patrick’s Athletic in Ireland, began his career at Arsenal, and then moved to Villa.

But the Dubliner had to return to his homeland to rediscover his motivation for the game and then show what he was truly capable of.

His performances for League of Ireland runners-up St Pat’s earned the 25-year-old the Irish player-of-the-season honour, and brought Blues calling.

“I think it’s my second and last chance,” he admitted to the Birmingham Mail. “I don’t think many people even get a second chance.

“I’ve worked hard to get back here and I’m going to work even harder now.”

In the week or so he has trained at Wast Hills, Fahey’s focus and determination has impressed management and his new team-mates.

He said: “That has to be from where I’ve come from. I’d like to make a better crack of it this time. I don’t think I did myself justice last time I was over here.”

Arsenal initially engaged Fahey, and his peers were the likes of Jermaine Pennant, Jerome Thomas, Steve Sidwell, Jay Bothroyd and Graham Stack. “There were a lot of good players who have gone on to do well,” he said.

“I have lost a few years on everyone I used to play