SAM BYRNE HAS found first-team opportunities hard to come by since joining Dundalk on loan at the start of the season, but the young striker is now looking to put his head down after signing a permanent contract with the League of Ireland club.
The 22-year-old has agreed an 18-month deal with Dundalk following the expiration of his contract at Everton, having spent four years at Goodison Park.
Since arriving at Oriel Park in February, Byrne has featured just twice in the League of Ireland for Dundalk, with both appearances coming as a second-half substitute.
Byrne arrived at Dundalk with a big reputation having joined Manchester United from St Kevin’s Boys in 2011, but has failed to break into Stephen Kenny’s plans with the Lilywhites currently sitting top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.
After a season at Old Trafford, Byrne — the younger brother of Ireland rugby international Adam — moved to Everton, but his progress through the ranks there was halted by a broken leg.
Confirmation of his release from Everton has allowed Dundalk tie the Ireland underage international down to a permanent deal.
“I’m very happy to stay and now I just want to get my head down and keep working hard,” he said.
“The plan is to get myself a few more minutes on the pitch but obviously the team are doing really well at the moment so my aim is to keep working as hard as I can and help the team as much as possible.”
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