Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Keith Fahey believes League of Ireland Player of the Year Richie Towell will be a success in England, as he's chosen the right club in Brighton and, particularly, the right manager in Chris Hughton.
Fahey, who made his name with St Patrick's Athletic before moving to Birmingham City in 2009, after which he broke into the Ireland team, believes that the former Dundalk star was smart to bide his time before committing to a team managed by another Irish stalwart.
"Credit to him for waiting for that move to come about," Fahey told 2fm's Game On. "He probably could have moved to a lower league club a long time before now but he's held out for a good move.
"He's got it now and the manager he's going to, Chris Hughton, and his backroom team, will get the best out of him and he'll definitely improve.
"When I went over, I didn't go over on a great deal but I saw the bigger picture, that there was scope to do well, get towards the international team and earn more money.
"Richie, if he stayed here, would be the best player here and the biggest player here for the next few years. But there's only a certain level you can get to here and to turn down such a good move would have been foolish."
Fahey believes that Towell has the quality to make an impact with the Championship leaders.
"When I went over I'm sure a lot of lads didn't really know who I was but I think the first day in training I did really well," he said.
"After a while, if you're at the level in training that they expect you to be at then they'll accept you.
"Richie's profile is far bigger than mine than when I went over. I'd say the Brighton players have probably heard his name before so they just have to look at the YouTube clips of his goals this year and they'll know they're getting a good player."
Fahey was quick to play down the notion Towell could make a late run to be included in Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2016, but says the Ireland management will doubtless keep an eye on him.
"That's very premature. It's unfair but I don't think he's putting that out himself," said Fahey.
"Look at the players that aren't in that squad, which has qualified, that have been doing it consistently at Championship level and they're not near it.
"His hard work will start now and he can be judged on the next phase. He's gone from here, he's done phenomenally well here. In six months' time, at the end of season, we'll have a good look and see what he's done then.
"But I'm sure Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane are well aware of him so they can judge him now at a better standard."
