Breen, 24-year-old central
defender, bounced back to top form last season, establishing a strong partnership with
Richard Shaw.
Breen had come a long way in a short time when he signed for Gordon Strachan from
Birmingham City. He started his career with Maidstone, moved to Gillingham and then on to
Peterborough before moving to St Andrews. He was already a Republic of Ireland
international.
He made a superb debut against Sheffield Wednesday but his season tailed off. He worked
hard on his strength last summer and, after starting the season out of position, had an
excellent second half to the campaign, winning back his place in Mick McCarthy’s
Irish national side.
