KEITH FAHEY HAS returned to Birmingham City training, the club have confirmed this morning.
The Ireland international was granted compassionate leave in November and has been in Dublin to deal with a family issue since then.
The former St Pat’s midfielder has been training with Shamrock Rovers in recent months and the Championship outfit say his fitness is good as he heads back to St Andrew’s.
“I want to thank the club for giving me the necessary time and support to deal with what was a genuinely personal family matter, I appreciate it greatly,” said Fahey today.
“Over the last few weeks I have been doing the equivalent of pre-season training with my local club Shamrock Rovers and I would like to thank that club’s manager, Trevor Crolly, for allowing me to do so.
“While I need to achieve match fitness I believe I am close to being ready to return to Championship football. I now want to contribute fully to Blues’ campaign for the remainder of the season.”
Manager Lee Clark is satisfied that Fahey will be back in the mix for a starting spot within weeks.
“It is great that Keith has now returned to the club,” he said. ”He underwent a full fitness assessment last week and I’m delighted to say that he is in great shape so, within a few weeks of being back in full training and some reserve team action, he should be ready to push his way back into consideration for first-team selection.”
The news may also boost Giovanni Trapattoni’s options ahead of the World Cup qualification double-header next month.
