Birmingham City old boy receives international recognition as ex-teammate compared to Dele Alli

Welcome to BirminghamLive 's coverage of all things Blues on Thursday, March 31.

Former Birmingham City trainee Joe Redmond has been involved in the Republic of Ireland Under-21s for the first time. The centre back, who was released by Blues at the end of last season, was called up as a late replacement for Tuesday night’s match with Sweden.

He was an unused substitute in Ireland’s 2-0 victory and although he did not play, his belated selection is evidence of further progression for the 22-year-old who has become a key part of the St Patrick’s Athletic line-up. He joined the Inchicore outfit after signing from Drogheda at the end of last season.

Since then he has played every minute of their first seven games and following the failure of Derby County’s Eiran Cashin to gain international clearance was added to Jim Crawford’s squad for the game in Borås.

Birmingham City supporters couldn't contain their pride after the performance academy graduate Jude Bellingham put in against Ivory Coast.

The 18-year-old played the full 90 minutes and was named player of the match after shining under the lights at Wembley Stadium during the international friendly. It was Bellingham's 12th England cap and extended a remarkable record of the Three Lions winning every time that the teenager has featured.

After the match, Blues fans were rightly revelling in the performance of their homegrown starlet.

Birmingham City have plenty of work to get through in the summer transfer window. Not only do they have several senior players out of contract and decisions to make over options for younger players, they must also address the weaknesses in Lee Bowyer’s squad.

Blues have shown themselves prepared to pay fees, Juninho Bacuna’s arrival from