Kildare's Irish underage star Byrne leaves Everton to join Dundalk on loan
The Kildare man, who has been with the Toffees in England since 2014, joins the 2016 Airtricity League champions on a five-month deal and becomes the latest in a number of loan signings for Dundalk.
Byrne was previously on the books with Manchester United after leaving St Kevin's Boys in 2011, and he is the younger brother of Leinster rugby star Adam, who earned his first cap for Ireland last November.
Byrne never appeared for the Everton first team, but he has featured prominently for Ireland underage sides over the years, appearing for his country on 44 occasions from U15 level up.
It was the second signing from overseas that the Lilywhites announced in the space of a couple of days, joining former Liverpool youngster Daniel Cleary in Louth.
In a statement on the Dundalk FC website, Byrne said;
“Stephen Kenny got in touch with me and I was interested, so it all really started from there. I’m looking forward to getting games, it’s been tough since my injury, so hopefully I can get a few games under my belt and score a few goals.”
“I was aware of Dundalk FC when I was playing with Everton FC, I think everyone has been aware of Dundalk over the last couple of years.
“Winning league titles and playing in Europe is a massive part of me signing at Oriel Park and I would love to be a part of that so hopefully I will be."
Dundalk open their league campaign with a home tie against Bray Wanderers tonight, and Byrne has been named on the bench for the match against the Wicklow club.