SAINTS have finalised the signing of highly rated young Irish midfielder Joe O'Brien Whitmarsh.

The Daily Echo understands the 18 year old from Cork City has penned a three-and-a-half-year deal to keep him at St Mary's until June 2027.

The youngster was a target for Premier League Everton, League One Derby County and several other Category One academies. 

O'Brien Whitmarsh - who takes the first half of his surname from his mother, who sadly passed away in 2016 - will link up with the under-21s.

Although he only made his senior debut last March, O'Brien Whitmarsh became a key man for Cork.

O'Brien Whitmarsh fought back from a serious knee injury at 16 to force his way into the senior team's plans. 

He scored four goals in 23 Premier Division appearances despite the club's struggles, which resulted in relegation. 

He visited Staplewood on trial in December, with Saints moving to confirm the signing as the January transfer window commenced. 

O'Brien Whitmarsh is a technical midfield eight or 10, who likes to get forward - experience in men's football bolsters his physical attributes.

He has represented the Republic of Ireland under-15s and under-18s and is tipped to go on to forge a senior career.

Saints academy recruiters have identified the Irish leagues as a potential hotbed for value talent, as first reported by the Daily Echo.