If Martin O’Neill was still in charge at Nottingham Forest, you get the feeling Jack Byrne would already be pulling the strings in Garibaldi red.
But it is only now, after firing Shamrock Rovers to a league and cup double and forcing his way into the Republic of Ireland set-up, that Byrne has emerged as a genuine option for the two-time European champions.
Cypriot publication Protathlima reports Forest hope to beat Cypriot giants APOEL Nicosia to the 24-year-old’s signature.
Now, if you were feeling a tad non-plussed about APOEL’s apparent interest in a player shining in the League of Ireland, it’s worth mentioning their new manager, a certain Mick McCarthy, has described Byrne as an “outstanding” talent, lavish praise indeed in that distinctive Barnsley drawl.
But McCarthy isn’t the only former Ireland boss to tip the one-time Manchester City starlet for big things.
“He’s doing very well. I’ve not seen him personally but obviously I’ve got the DVDs of his performances,” Forest legend Martin O’Neill told Joe.co.uk in 2016 when Byrne was impressing for Cambuur during a loan spell in Holland.
“He’s definitely one you would feel in the future should come through and make it,” O’Neill added.
“He’s got a lot of natural talent, which he’s shown. And at least he’s made the effort to go out on loan to try to further his career and make himself a more experienced player. Well done to him for that.”
Four years on, following ill-fated spells at Wigan, Blackburn, Oldham and Kilmarnock, Byrne is ready to make up for lost time in England.
Patrick Vieira, Byrne’s former Man City coach, likened the tenacious midfielder to former Forest hero Roy Keane due to his fiery temperament, uber-competitive nature and eye for goal (Examiner).
Admired by Martin O’Neill, compared to Roy Keane. Byrne can’t arrive soon enough at a shot-shy Forest side crying out for attacking thrust.
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