Crazy as a soup sandwich this Irishman has a flair for the unexpected, both on and off the pitch
A first-team regular at just 19, the nippy Cork-born midfielder with an eye for the killer pass - and a nice line in spectacular goals - is one of the brightest prospects to emerge at City in recent years.
A natural ball player, he has been a full Republic of Ireland international since 2006 and his rapid progress saw him offered an improved five-year deal during 2007/08.
He already has a claim to history for his country, having scored the first goal at Dublin’s Croke Park against Wales in March 2007.
He is closing in fast on a century of appearances for City in all competitions.