Romelle Donovan has made the promise to Birmingham City after revealing why he signed the contract

Romelle Donovan’s absence from the first-team squad at the end of last season has seen him prove himself to new Birmingham City manager Chris Davies.

Electric striker Donovan burst onto the St Andrew’s scene last year with a series of lively cameos from the bench before making his first start against Bristol City at Christmas. Tony Mowbray gave him another start in the FA Cup replay against Hull City in January and ended the season with 10 first team outings.

The 17-year-old was promoted to the under-21s in the final months of the campaign as the Blues battled relegation from the Championship and helped them reach the final of the Professional Development League.

“When I came back with the 21s I felt I had something to prove,” Donovan told Blues TV. “I’m still young so I shouldn’t expect to play every minute with the first team. When I get that call again, I’ll be even better.”

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Donovan will have the chance to impress Davies in pre-season after boosting his confidence with his first England call-up in May. England Under-18s beat Northern Ireland 4-2 on his international debut, thanks in large part to a goal and assist from Donovan.

The teenager added: “When I got that England call-up I wasn’t playing because I was going to have an operation on my hand, but I couldn’t turn it down. I am grateful to the doctor here who recovered me very quickly after the operation. I was back on the field in about two weeks. When I pulled on the England shirt for the first time, it was such a proud moment.”

Donovan was one of two hot prospects the Blues were keen to tie down on scholarship last summer, the other being Trevan Sanusi, who opted to join Newcastle United instead. The Blues handed Donovan a three-year maximum contract on his 17th birthday last November to reward him for his loyalty.

“Obviously there has been interest from other clubs since (I was) young but Birmingham City looked after me so it was only right that I stay here,” he admitted. “They showed they wanted me by giving me (the pro contract) early on my birthday, so I feel like it was right for me to stay here at that time.

“I wouldn’t be the person and character I am if it wasn’t for this club. I’m a Birmingham boy too so it means more. I feel I have a good connection with the fans and this club has a huge place in my heart.”

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