Nicky Byrne was on Leeds United’s books during the 90s.
Leeds United might need a new goalkeeper this summer.
Kiko Casilla made a costly error in the Whites’ playoff semi-final defeat by Derby County last month and The Sun [26/5; page 69] has since reported that the Spaniard could leave Elland Road, six months after arriving.
And some Leeds fans are jokingly telling their club to sign up a celebrity – but one who used to play for them.
Nicky Byrne was on the books at Thorp Arch for around two years before later finding global fame with Westlife.
The Dubliner was a member of the Whites’ squad that won the FA Youth Cup in 1997 and Byrne has been dusting off his gloves once a year to take part in Soccer Aid.
Last night, the 40-year-old helped the World XI to victory over England by saving two penalties during the shootout, and some Leeds fans are joking that they’d like to see him re-signed by Marcelo Bielsa this summer.
In all seriousness, it’ll be interesting to see if Bielsa keeps faith with the former Real Madrid stopper.
One bad game doesn’t make him useless, but his confidence will have no doubt taken a hammering after what happened against the Rams and whether he comes back the same player for pre-season remains to be seen.
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