Search
On FM Scout you can chat about Football Manager in real time since 2011. Here are 10 reasons to join!

Jack Byrne: An Irish Great?

An article on Manchester City and Ireland player Jack Byrne

By on Jun 06, 2013   5722 views   3 comments
Football Views - Jack Byrne: An Irish Great?
With the future of footballing being prominently placed in the hands of the youth systems and academies of teams, more young players are soon to become world-stars, possibly reaching the potential of players such as Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. One player who could reach unimaginable feats on the pitch is Jack Byrne, a 17-year-old central midfielder.

Jack has already shown his class on the international stage, frequently featuring the youth squads of the Republic of Ireland, becoming a member of the European U17 Championships qualifying squad. The midfield terrier has become known by many throughout Ireland, and during Ireland's 1-1 draw with Serbia, managed to score. Nevertheless, the goal wasn't enough to send Ireland through, crashing out at the final hurdle. Jack Byrne has been named as one, if not the very best, to be coming through Ireland's rank, after being named the country's best performer in the qualifying campaign, also having scored a hat-trick against Macedonia in October.

Ireland is not the only place the name Byrne is being quickly spread through the eager, excited minds of footballing fans though, as Manchester City fans are keeping a close eye on the dead ball specialist. After clinching a deal with The Citizen's Academy in 2011, aged just 16, Jack has climbed through the squads, and although being younger than most in City's Under 18 squad, the captain's armband has been rightfully given to Byrne throughout the season. Jack is being given the opportunity to dazzle and shine in the middle of midfield, an opportunity he certainly isn't rejecting.

Jack began his career back in Ireland, as a young boy playing for a small club, unknown by many, playing in the same way as boys all around the world. Jack was then signed up by St Kevin’s Boys FC, a side who have also produced talent in the names of Liam Brady, Ian Harte and Stephan Carr. However, most notably, current upcoming star Robbie Brady, who had been tipped as a future star for Manchester United, and now could become a Premier League regular for newly-promoted Hull City. David Duff has become one of the club's finest products, becoming a Premier League star, and even playing for Chelsea, making 100 appearances for the national side. Even with the success of Duff, Byrne has been tipped as the greatest player to ever come from the Boys youth side, bigger than Damien Duff.

As a fiery player, Jack hasn't been a stranger to the referee's notebook, but the Dublin-born player feels his fiery nature and determination on and off the ball gives himself, and his team, the advantage in many games. With Jack's recent performances in both the green and blue shirts, many are expecting to see Jack soon feature in the Manchester United Senior Side, having already been linked to Arsenal and Liverpool in recent times.

His next big test will be the move up to senior football, and the question will be if, and where, he makes the changeover. With City fans across the country wanting to see Byrne develop into a top player, will he be given the opportunity next season by new manager Pellegrini?

Kane's avatar
About Kane

Your content on FM Scout

We are always looking for quality content creators, capable of producing insightful articles. Being published here means more exposure and recognition for you.

Do YOU have what it takes?

Discussion: Jack Byrne: An Irish Great?

3 comments have been posted so far.

  • Blue's avatar
    Really nicely written article Kane :) keep it up!
  • Rablador's avatar
    I'll be honest and say I'd never heard of him before, but he looks great! Certainly one for the future and I'm sure he will be a star player in a few years time. Good article!
  • Justice's avatar
    Very well written and I can't wait to see Jack wear his country's green jersey :)
    1
FMS Chat

Stam
hey, just wanted to let you know that we have a fb style chat for our members. login or sign up to start chatting.