What looked like the best move for Jack Byrne has turned into a frustrating loan spell.
Back in June, the young Irish midfielder signed on with Blackburn Rovers for the 2015/16 campaign. The Manchester City prospect had enjoyed a success loan spell in the Dutch Eredivise and his parent club were eager to see how he got on in the Championship.
Having been called into the Ireland training squad ahead of Euro 2016, it seemed like a solid season with Rovers would push him on to be a regular in Martin O’Neill’s squad.
The 20-year-old started the season in decent form and won plaudits from his new fans but Rovers struggled, he was dropped by Owen Coyle and the loan went awry. Byrne has played seven games this season as appearances dried up. Now, it appears his time at Rovers is over.
Rovers are down in 24th [the relegation places] but manager Owen Coyle insists he will be given funds to bring in new faces. Byrne will be heading in the opposite direction. Coyle told the Lancashire Telegraph:
“I have had dialogue with Manchester City over Jack Byrne who we know is a very talented player. He will have a terrific career but I think it’s important Jack gets some game-time and he’s not had that of late.
“To be fair he has been ill over Christmas. The likelihood is that Jack will return to Manchester City and get some game-time, whether that be with another loan spell or in the youth teams.”
Despite his precocious talents, one would not expect Byrne to command a first-team spot in the immediate future after a less than stellar loan spell at Ewood Park.
