Former Manchester United trainee Sam Byrne joins Glentoran on loan from Dundalk

Dundalk striker Sam Byrne has joined NIFL Premiership side Glentoran on loan until the end of January.

The 23-year-old former Manchester United trainee only signed a permanent 18-month deal with Dundalk in July following the culmination of his six-month loan stint from Everton.

Byrne’s time at the club so far has been marred with recurring injury problems however, making just two appearances in the league as a substitute.

His last taste of league action was a four-minute cameo against St Patrick’s Athletic at the end of April, and he moves to the Oval in search of more regular gametime to press his case at Oriel Park.

He has made fleeting appearances in both the EA Sports Cup and Leinster Senior Cup but has fallen behind top scorer Patrick Hoban and new recruit Georgie Kelly in the pecking order at Oriel Park.

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny hopes a spell of regular football north of the border will restore Byrne’s form and fitness ahead of next season.

“Sam will be a very good signing and I’m very pleased we’ve got this over the line,” said Glentoran manager Ronnie McFall.

“Dundalk are a very good team but there’s no reserve league in the Republic so it’s much better for everyone concerned that Sam gets plenty of competitive football.

“He’s the sort of centre forward I’ve been looking for. He’s strong, he gets goals but, also, he holds the ball up very well in important positions. He’ll add well to our squad.

“I’m looking for players with pedigree and Sam’s speaks for itself with so many years at Manchester United and Everton but also the fact that he’s coming from one of the top clubs in the Republic too.

“Also, he’s represented the Republic at every level up to U21 so he’s been highly rated throughout his career.”

Byrne could make his Glentoran debut as early as Saturday’s league fixture at home to Coleraine, pending international clearance.