Paul Simpson completed the signing of Sean St Ledger from under the noses of Birmingham City, where the young defender was training.

He became Simpson's second signing, putting pen to paper on a three-year-deal for a fee that could reach £350,000.

The 21-year-old came through the ranks at Peterborough and made his first team debut at 17 before going on to make 91 appearances, including 49 in his final season with the Posh.

The Birmingham-born defender achieved an unprecedented feat of picking up every Posh player of the year award last season with a highly consistent campaign.

After an impressive start to his first season in the Championship, Sean was called into Steve Staunton's Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Germany.

He was an unused sub on that occasion and since then injury has prevented him joining up again but if he continues with the form shown last season, that debut will come sooner rather than later.