Man City sign Irish starlet - March 8,
2001
James Lee Matthews yesterday became the latest Irish starlet to sign for an English Premiership club. The u15 international has been snapped up by Manchester City.
The St. Joseph's Boys star signed on the dotted line to join the growing contingent of Irish youngsters at Maine Road, where the likes of Stephen Elliot, Stephen Paisley and Paddy McCarthy are already established.
Matthews, a polished defender, has been a regular on Vinny Butler's Republic of Ireland u15 team this term, appearing in every game of the side's five-match unbeaten run.
The run has seen the side gain wins over Denmark (twice) and draws against Holland (twice) and, most recently, Wales.