Playmaker Byrne eager to be back pulling strings for club and, hopefully, country

Shamrock Rovers midfielder has the kind of invention Ireland so glaringly lack but as injuries ease, European campaign offers chance to impress

Still looking forward: Republic of Ireland international footballer Jack Byrne at the launch of Aviva Ireland’s #LaceUpWithPride campaign. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

Watching Ireland lack the invention to penetrate Armenia or Ukraine, the absence of Jack Byrne’s mastery was lamented.

The Shamrock Rovers playmaker won two caps apiece under Mick McCarthy and Stephen Kenny but it’s been almost two years since his last run-out for the Boys in Green.