Alex Byrne re-signs with Galway United

Galway United have revealed that midfielder Alex Byrne has agreed a new contract with the club.

The new deal will see the 21-year-old spend a fourth year with the Tribesmen, where he will look to add to the 71 appearances that he’s made with his hometown club.

Byrne joins recent additions David Cawley and Gavan Holohan in the Westerners’ centre-field department, which had been left quite bare following the loss of former skipper Ryan Connolly to Shamrock Rovers.

The tough tackling midfielder was scoreless in 2015, indeed his only goal for the Eamonn Deacy Park outfit came in the promotion play-off win over UCD two seasons ago.

New Galway manager Shane Keegan was understandably delighted to re-sign the ex-Salthill Devon man, telling galwayunitedfc.ie: "I'm delighted to get Alex on board, he's been with the club for a few years now. He's progressing and heading towards an age now where he should really be looking to be coming into his prime so he can fulfil the potential that he's got.

"I'd like to think that we'll see the absolute best of Alex. There really is bundles of potential in him. He's determined to show everybody just how good he can be next season because over the last few years he probably hasn't ever hit peak physical condition.

"I think with the likes of Johnny O'Connor in our corner, he's determined to make sure that we do get Alex in condition to allow him to show the full range of his abilities. I have no doubt that if he commits himself to getting into fantastic shape, he can have a brilliant season for us,” Keegan said.

Byrne himself was also happy to get the new deal agreed, saying: "I feel next year there is no excuses. I'm working with the new strength and conditioning coach already, having sessions in the morning, before we get working. I want to hit the ground running in pre-season and then when the season starts, we'll be more than able for it.

"I know what is required of me and what everyone expects of me too. I'm just looking forward to getting back into training on the pitch so I can show everyone what I can do.

"I feel that the best is yet to come from me, so I'm looking forward to that," the midfielder concluded.