Byrne to Dubai 'a short-term solution to the problem'

While Shamrock Rovers - and Shelbourne - are looking forward to exciting evenings in Europe between now and Christmas, Jack Byrne will not be part of the Hoops' Conference League campaign this time round.

The four-time Republic of Ireland cap has made the left-field move to Dubai Irish, joining the UAE Third Division League side on loan until the end of the year.

The 29-year-old former Manchester City youth academy product's ability has never been in question and when fit, has almost always been up there among the best players in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division.

But his place in the Shamrock Rovers squad had become more uncertain this summer and while manager Stephen Bradley has insisted that there has been no falling out with the midfielder and that they remain on good terms, Byrne will be plying his trade in an unexpected location between now and the end of the calendar year, before he considers his longer-term options upon his return to Irish soil.

With Dubai Irish being a destination that has caught many by surprise, his former Rovers team-mate Richie Towell and former Ireland winger Keith Treacy shared their views on the temporary transfer on this week's RTÉ Soccer Podcast.

"Let's be realistic, it's a crazy move," said Towell, who jokingly quipped, "I actually spoke to him right after it had been announced, just to see if they need anymore midfielders over there since I'm retired now! Unfortunately, he didn't have any insight for me.

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"But no, let's go back to being serious. It's a bit of a mad move because anytime I've seen him play for Shamrock Rovers this year, he was head and shoulders above everyone else. He was absolutely incredible in any game I watched.

"Him and Graham Burke had actually worked up such a good partnership and then he got a few slight injuries and couldn't get back in the team.

"Yeah, it's a strange move and I think a couple of months ago, people were saying with the form him and Graham Burke were in, they've already been in Ireland squads before, could these two, as well as Josh Honohan, be the players that could break that mould to get into the Ireland squad?

"And now he's gone to Dubai Irish. It's a short-term solution to the problem but it's going to be very interesting to see what happens after his loan move is up in December.

"Does he come back into Shamrock Rovers for pre-season? I'm not sure. But for me, I would never have taken that move (to Dubai Irish) to be honest but each to their own."

Also speaking on the podcast, former Ireland, St Patrick's Athletic and Drogheda United winger Keith Treacy was also surprised at the choice of club for the next few months.

"There's a lot worse punishments than going to Dubai but for Jack's level of football and where he's at, I wouldn't be too up on Dubai Irish team but I'd imagine that the levels are a little bit lower," he said.

"But he wants to play football and so many players would think, 'Do you know what? I'll sit here and pick up my wage, I'll train and we'll see what happens', but he wants to play, so fair play to Jack.

"I'd imagine there were so many other League of Ireland clubs knocking on the door but Rovers would just say, 'That's not happening, you're not going to a rival'.

"So he's gone as far away as possible, to Dubai Irish, but I would hate to think that this is the end of Jack Byrne because he's been so, so good for Shamrock Rovers.

"It would be a real shame if we don't see Jack in a Shamrock Rovers jersey again. So it's a real disappointing one but hopefully it's just a loan and the bridges can be mended."

Watch Republic of Ireland v Hungary in World Cup qualifying on Saturday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to live radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1

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