Updated 10.11am
LOUTH’S CIARAN BYRNE will make his AFL debut this weekend after being named in the Carlton starting team for Saturday’s clash against Essendon at the MCG.
Byrne becomes the latest Irish man to start for the Blues with Zach Tuohy already an established figure in the side while Ciaran Sheehan made his AFL debut last August.
20 year-old Byrne was upgraded last week from the rookie list after Carlton player Cameron Giles had been ruled out with a long-term injury.
“What a fantastic story that we can blood another Irish man,” remarked Carlton assistant coach Brad Green.
“It’s a pity we don’t have the three of them playing this week. It’s great for Casey, that’s his nickname down here in Carlton, it’s great for him to be playing his debut game and his mum and dad are flying over for it so that’s terrific.
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That paved the way for Byrne to be on the brink of starting and he’s been named as a half-back on the team for Saturday’s clash. He’ll have Tuohy for company in the starting line-up as Carlton seek to bounce back from defeats in there opening two games against Richmond Tigers and the West Coast Eagles.
Byrne signed with Carlton as an International Rookie at the end of the 2013 season and played 14 games in the Victoria Football League last year for the Northern Blues, an affiliate club of Carlton.
