Photo: Earl Gardner

Philadelphia Union announced on Thursday the signing of 2015 SuperDraft pick Eric Bird.

Union technical director Chris ALbright said in a press release, “Eric is a proven winner and he’s exactly the kind of player we want to have in our locker room. He’s done extremely well at the highest collegiate level and we’re confident in his ability to transition to MLS.”

The 21-year-old midfielder, selected with the 41st pick overall in the January draft, came to the Union from University of Virginia, where he was captain for two years, including during the team’s 2014 NCAA championship season.

In an interview with PSP soon after he was drafted by the Union, Bird said of his time with Virginia, “I was kind of like a deep-lying playmaker. So I did like hitting longer balls to open up the defense.”

He said of playing at the MLS level, “I think my role could either be an 8 or a D-mid, depending on what coach Curtin thinks. I don’t see myself as a real attacking number 10 at the next level. I’m a very good ball-winner and I can make the simple pass and get out of pressure, turn away from pressure. So those two positions, either D-mid or box-to-box would suit me better [than attacking mid].”

Dave Zeitlin reported at MLSsoccer.com in February that Union head coach Jim Curtin “has said he likes him as a backup to Vincent Nogueira in the No. 8 spot.”

Bird, who spent some of the preseason dealing with a groin injury, said in the press release announcing his signing, “It’s an honor and a blessing to sign with Philadelphia Union. I’ve worked my entire life to get to this point and I couldn’t be happier with the opportunity.”