Jack Byrne has returned home to Dublin.
Byrne, who is one of the most hyped prospects to emerge from this country in recent years, has signed a deal with Shamrock Rovers ahead of the new season.
The 22-year-old, who joined Manchester City as a teenager but never featured for the senior team, has brought an end to his brief time at Kilmarnock in the hope of reviving his career in Ireland.
After an exciting loan spell with Dutch side SC Cambuur, Byrne spent time at Blackburn Rovers, Wigan and Oldham before signing for Killie in August.
Byrne has been an incredibly popular player almost everywhere he’s gone and Oldham fans even started a campaign to ‘free’ the midfielder before he was released by the club.
Byrne, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 level, will join up with his new Shamrock Rovers teammates on Monday for preseason training.
Speaking about his move, Byrne said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to get it over and done with now. It’s been brewing for a few weeks and I’m buzzing to be here. I had a chat with Stephen Bradley a couple of weeks ago and it was something that I wanted to do and I felt really excited after speaking to the staff at the club and seeing the facilities that Rovers have.
“I played a couple of times for Kilmarnock this year coming off the bench, it’s frustrating when you’re doing everything you can to get into a team. They were getting good results and it was hard to get a start. I took the decision to come home and it’s the best thing for me.
Welcome to Rovers, @Jackb_8 ☘️ pic.twitter.com/NyDFiAVJ5B
— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) December 7, 2018
“When the opportunity came to sign for Shamrock Rovers I snapped the hand off. I like to play in the middle and to be on the ball wherever that may be. We’ve spoken briefly about a position for me to play in and I think it suits both parties.
“The manager and his staff are building a strong squad and I’m very hungry to do well for the group. The League of Ireland is a very tough league; Dundalk and Cork in particular have been very strong over the past few seasons. My aim is to work hard and get into the team first and foremost.
“I want to help the team push on so that we can compete for trophies and I can’t wait to get going.”
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