Enda Stevens is on his way to Aston Villa, but Alex McLeish has warned that he must prove that he is deserving of a Premier League role.
McLeish warns new arrival he must be patient
Enda Stevens is on his way to Aston Villa, but Alex McLeish has warned that he must prove that he is deserving of a Premier League role.
The 21-year-old left-back is set to complete his move to Villa Park from Shamrock Rovers on Monday, when the January transfer window opens.
He has already begun training with his new team-mates, providing him with an early taste of what to expect in the English top-flight.
Stevens is considered to be a hot prospect for the future, but he may have to be patient and wait for his opportunity to shine.
Villa boss McLeish already has a number of experienced stars at his disposal and admits his latest arrival is not guaranteed to make his debut this season.
Quality
Asked when Stevens can expect to form part of his plans, the Scot told the
Birmingham Mail: "I don't know, I don't really know.
"If you look at the squad, who do you leave out? I've got Ciaran Clark who can play there and he is challenging at the moment as well.
"If someone is out for whatever reason then there might be some opportunities, but it is up to Enda to hit the ground running in training and do well so I think 'Let's get this guy involved'.
"It is down to the quality in the personnel available and always will be. Enda will have quite a way to go to break in because Stephen Warnock has been in great form.
"But we're hoping when he joins he will get to grips with everything and adapt very quickly to put pressure on guys like Stephen."
