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He's a new face at Cardiff City, training with the Bluebirds this week and playing in a development game against Chelsea on Thursday.

But just who is Richie Towell?

The gags may be obvious, but just what would Russell Slade be getting if he signed Towell on a permanent basis?

Here, we take an in-depth look at Cardiff's man on trial.

Where did it all begin?

Towell is a 23-year-old attacking midfielder, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at under 17, 19 and 21 level.

He started life as a footballer at Crumlin United before moving to Celtic.

He's currently with Irish champions Dundalk, but with their season now at an end, Towell is now looking for a fresh challenge. With his contract set to expire at the end of October, Towell could join the Bluebirds if he impresses Slade sufficiently.

Success in Scotland

Towell moved to Celtic in 2007, making his first appearance for the Scottish giants as a substitute for Jos Hooiveld in a 2-2 draw with Inverness in 2010.

Things started well initially – he provided an assist for Paddy McCourt in his first game – but he was released by the club when his contract expired at the end of the 2011-12 season.

(Image: Daily Record)

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Loan spells with Hibernian

Out of favour at Celtic Park, Towell moved to Hibernian on loan. After a sloppy start in his debut – a 2-0 loss to Rangers – the young Irishman grew into life at Easter Road.

He started 15 times for the club – his character shining through when he received religious abuse from Hearts supporters in an Edinburgh derby clash. Towell admitted the abuse only drove him on to play even better.

Towell returned to Celtic briefly but was soon back with Hibs on another loan spell. But regular playing time began to elude him, after new manager Pat Fenlon made a host of new signings in the January transfer window.

Returning home

Released by Celtic, Towell returned home and trained with Leinster side Bluebell United to keep up his fitness. He penned a deal with Dundalk before Christmas and made his League of Ireland bow against Shamrock Rovers on the opening night of the 2013 season.

He helped the club to a second placed league finish, scoring seven times in 31 league appearances on his way to being crowned the PFA of Ireland's young player of the year.

Ending on a high

Towell and Dundalk were crowned Irish champions last week following victory over Cork City.

But with his contract now up, he could now be set to add to the midfield riches already available at Cardiff City Stadium.

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