Birmingham City take Shane Lowry on trial

Former Aston Villa defender Shane Lowry is having a trial with Birmingham City, and is available for their pre-season clash with Kidderminster Harriers this afternoon.

The 26-year-old is a free agent following his release from Leyton Orient at the end of last season.

Lowry, who was born in Australia but has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-19 and Under-21 levels, joined Aston Villa as a 15-year-old but never made a Premier League appearance for the club.

He represented Villa on three occasions in the Europa League and FA Cup, but left to join Orient last summer.