Jack Byrne: Brexit transfer rules could hurt top Irish youngsters

Jack Byrne of Shamrock Rovers following the FAI Cup final defeat to Dundalk. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Jack Byrne's next step in club football remains uncertain and the same can be said for hundreds of Irish teenagers whose potential pathways in the professional game are in doubt because of new post-Brexit rules governing transfers.

As of 2021, clubs in the UK will no longer be allowed to sign players from European Union countries until they turn 18 and it seems that there will be no exemption for Irish citizens, regardless of the Common Travel Area.