Newcastle United are signing goalkeeper Reece Byrne and his manager at Bohemians is delighted to see a ‘fantastic move’ to the Premier League come to fruition.
Recent transfer windows have seen a host of exciting Irish talent cross the sea and head for England. Killian Phillips is now thriving on loan at Shrewsbury Town from Crystal Palace. Liam Scales joined Celtic after making his name at Shamrock Rovers.
And Newcastle United, less than 12 months since snapping up Alex Murphy from Galway, have agreed a deal to bring in Bryne too.
The 18-year-old, who represents the Republic of Ireland at youth level, confirmed his switch to St James’ Park on Instagram.
Newcastle United sign goalkeeper Reece Byrne
“It’s a fantastic move for the boy,” beams Declan Devine, who handed teenager Byrne his first-team debut at Bohemians.
“It’s not every day you get the chance to sign for a giant in the Premier League. That’s what Newcastle are.
“When I came in, I gave him his first-team debut against Dundalk and I thought he did very well. This is the next step for him. He wants to get across to England and play at the highest level he can.”
Byrne is likely to play for Newcastle’s U21 side initially. Nick Pope is currently the club’s number one. Though a lack of high-quality depth in the goalkeeping department was laid bare in the lead up to March’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.
Loris Karius was eventually thrown in at the deep end; Pope missing out through suspension.
“(Byrne’s) development is a testament to the academy staff and what they have done with him over the last number of years. Providing him with the platform to go on and play first-team football,” Devine adds.
“They deserve enormous credit. We will all look on with great interest to see how his career progresses.”
Newcastle are currently third in the table. Champions league qualification is looks increasingly likely. Eddie Howe’s side thrashing Everton 4-1 at Goodison Park on Thursday; Alexander Isak producing one of the assists of the season.
“Possibly the best assist I have ever seen,” former Newcastle striker Michael Owen writes on Twitter.
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