BIRMINGHAM CITY HAVE signed former Fulham defender Noe Baba, one of Irish football’s brightest prospects, after a successful trial with the club.

Born in Cameroon, Baba moved to Ireland with his family at an early age and became the first African-born player to captain a Republic of Ireland side when he led out the U17s. He was subsequently called up to Paul Doolin’s U19s.

The 19-year-old came through the ranks at Castlebar Celtic in Mayo and was linked with a number of clubs before moving to Fulham in January 2013. Despite injuries disrupting his first season at the club, Baba became a regular in Fulham’s U18 and U21 sides.

But he has now moved on to fellow Championship side Birmingham and he told the club’s website that he is looking forward to taking the next step in his career with the Blues.

“I’ve been training here for the last month and it’s been very good,” he said. ”I’m very pleased and I think it’s a very good opportunity for me. I just want to kick on and start again with something I love doing.”

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