Everton striker Sam Byrne made his comeback for the under-23s this week.
Everton welcomed back striker Sam Byrne to the fold this week as the youngster made his comeback after 11 months out injured.
Byrne broke his leg last year in what the Liverpool Echo described as a ‘freak training ground accident’.
The 21-year-old was a substitute in Everton’s under-23 clash with Arsenal this week, which they won 1-0 through a goal from Nathan Broadhead.
Everton’s Sam Byrne
Byrne played for the final 16 minutes and coach David Unsworth told Everton’s official website that he was delighted to see the striker back in action.
He said: “It was a horrific injury, a very unfortunate one that happened on the training pitch. It’s never nice to see one of your young players get injured like he did but, after a long time in the gym and months and months of hard work, he’s finally made his comeback.
“We’re all very proud of him, he’s a great lad and he deserves a lot of success for the way he’s fought back to fitness after his injury.”
Everton U21 coach David Unsworth
Prior to his injury Byrne had scored and provided an assist in consecutive games at under-21 level, and was beginning to hit his stride.
Capped by Republic of Ireland at under-21 level, Byrne had scored seven goals in 10 games for his country’s under-19 side.
He was in Manchester United’s youth system prior to 2014, before being snapped up by the Toffees after his contract came to an end.
Competition to break into Everton’s first team is tougher than ever, but Ronald Koeman has shown a willingness to give players a chance, although for now, Byrne’s objective will be to re-establish himself at under-23 level.
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