Ronan Hale`s rise through the international scene is a positive thing for Birmingham City. The 18-year-old striker is highly rated at the club and his involvement for the Republic of Ireland U21`s should help him propel himself into the first team picture at St. Andrews.
Hale has been part of an Ireland training camp which involved a friendly against Drogheda United. He scored Ireland`s goal in the 2-1 defeat which capped an impressive season for the Belfast-born goal scorer.
Blues manager Harry Redknapp is well aware of Hale`s progress and plans to give him a taste of the first team during pre-season. Redknapp`s predecessor, Gianfranco Zola, had earmarked Hale for a place on the substitute`s bench towards the end of the season ‘once safety is secured`. However, Blues continued to falter which led to Zola`s eventual resignation.
Several clubs were vying for Hale`s services prior to him joining Blues and his brother, Rory, is part of Aston Villa`s youth set-up.
Blues academy coach, Steve Spooner, described Hale as ‘deadly`.
There is a real belief inside Wast Hills that Hale could soon force his way into the senior squad. And, considering Blues` goal scoring problems last season,that will be music to the ears of everyone at the club.
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