Stags announce the signing of left-back Ryan Burke from Birmingham City

20-year-old Ryan Burke joins Mansfield Town on a one-year deal from Birmingham City as the youngster adds competition to Stephen McLaughlin at the left-back position.

The former Republic of Ireland youth international started his career at St. Joseph’s Boys before joining St. Patrick’s Athletic in July 2016.

One year later, he made the switch to the West Midlands as he joined Birmingham’s youth setup starting at the under-18 level.

He was able to move up into the under-23’s only two years later and certainly made a good impression with his play down the left-hand side.

Burke was amongst the substitutes on a couple of occasions after the 2019/20 season was restarted and made his Football League debut in July 2020, coming off the bench at the Bet365 Stadium against Stoke City.

In September 2020, Burke joined National League side Yeovil Town until January 2021, making five appearances during his time at Huish Park.

Birmingham City surprisingly released the 20-year-old even though the Blues’ under-23’s side won the league this season.

The young full-back has mainly come in to create competition at the left-back position and to push Stephen McLaughlin for a spot in the starting 11.

Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough has full faith in the 20-year-old and he is certain that this signing will bring competition at left-back.

“We needed someone to push Stephen McLaughlin, who will probably start out as our first choice left-back,” said Stags’ boss Nigel Clough.

“We’ve seen Ryan play in Birmingham’s under-23s several time last season and were impressed.

“He’s aggressive and has a lovely left foot. I’ve seen him play in the left of a back-three, a left wing-back and as an orthodox left-back. He’s equipped himself well in each position.”

Pre-season for the Stags is a matter of days away and this signing will allow Clough to inspect the assets that Burke can bring to the squad.

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