O'Shea joined City in August 2009 from Galway United

Middlesbrough have signed Birmingham City midfielder Jay O'Shea on a one-month loan deal.

The 21-year-old joined City from League of Ireland side Galway United in 2009 where he was the club's top scorer.

But he has played in just one league game for Alex McLeish's side and made two Carling Cup appearances.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international also had a trial spell with Derby County before completing a move to St Andrews.

The deal comes as a boost for Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan, who has seen his midfield ranks depleted by illness and injuries.

"Gordon McQueen knew about him before he signed for Birmingham, and we watched him in some reserve games," Strachan told BBC Tees.

"He can play either side of midfield, and he's more direct than anything we've got here at the moment."

O'Shea will be available for Boro's trip to Watford in the Championship on Saturday.

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