ROBERTO MARTINEZ has expanded his Irish brigade at Everton by persuading 15-year-old Dubliner Steven Kinsella to join the Toffees, WRITES JOHN FALLON.

Both Manchester clubs and Tottenham Hotspur also wanted to recruit the son of former League of Ireland player Alan Kinsella, but Everton won the race for his signature after Martinez flew into Dublin to meet the teenager's family.

Kinsella, who plays for Templeogue United, is a winger possessing ability and pace in abundance. Such has been his impact in underage circles, he was promoted to Ireland's U-17 squad for the UEFA qualifiers last October.

Manchester United were especially keen to recruit a player they rate of similar quality to Robbie Brady, whom they signed in 2005.

Irish Independent