Sam Byrne completes permanent move to Dundalk from Everton

Striker Sam Byrne has signed an 18-month deal with Dundalk following the expiration of his contract with Everton.

The 22-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at Oriel Park but, due to recurring injury problems, has made just two league appearances off the bench for the Lilywhites so far.

The former Manchester United trainee’s only competitive goal came in the Leinster Senior Cup win against Bohemians last month.

Manager Stephen Kenny has shown his faith in the former Republic of Ireland under-21 international forward, however, and awarded him a contract until the end of the 2019 season.

“I’m very happy to stay and now I just want to get my head down and keep working hard,” said Byrne.

“The plan is to get myself a few more minutes on the pitch but the team are doing really well at the moment so my aim is to keep working as hard as I can and help the team as much as possible.”

Byrne started out with St Joseph’s Boys before making a dream move to Manchester United as a teenager.

He spent time on loan in League One with Carlisle United in 2013/14 before transferring to Everton at the end of that season.

Byrne failed to registered a first-team appearance for Everton after a broken leg halted his progress at Goodison Park, though he did make a return with the club’sunder-23 side in 2016/17.