Byrne happy with season opener
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When it was announced that Conan Byrne had signed for Shelbourne following the demise of his side Sporting Fingal last month, many people felt that the midfielder was the vital cog in Shels promotion bid.
On Saturday night in Flancare Park against Longford Town, Byrne showed just how important a signing he is; he grabbed his side’s equaliser and caused the Town trouble throughout. Speaking to extratime.ie after the game he was delighted with the start Shels made to their league campaign; coming from behind to win 2-1. He said, “It was going to be a very tough game, not many teams are going to come down here and get three points. It’s a brilliant three points.”
As well as the three points Byrne was happy to get on the scoresheet. He is amazed how people expect him to get plenty of goals. After all he is a midfielder. “People are saying that they are expecting a lot of goals from me but I’m still a midfielder. My job is to try and get balls into the box and it’s a bonus if you score. I did well in the first Division the last time I played in it so hopefully I can do the same again. I was delighted to get the goal and a few crosses into the box. The first game is always very difficult,” said the goalscorer.
Byrne took his goal well but the winner that Shels got 12 minutes from time through David Cassidy was just exquisite. The midfielder was in awe after the superb strike. He said, "It’s probably one of the best goals I have ever seen. I was standing right behind him and the ball took an age to come down from the sky. He took it on the volley, absolute world-class.”
Before a ball was kicked Shels were installed as favourites to win the First Division. Byrne is aware that expectations are high at Tolka Park but he likes that kind of pressure. “When I was with Fingal, Shelbourne were the team to beat. There is going to be pressure on Shels. There is always going to be pressure on Shels no matter what division they are in. With the previous glory years they’ve had they want to get back there. That’s what I want,” he said.
Over the last number of years Byrne has made a name for himself as one of the best midfielders in the League of Ireland. He was very much sought after when he became a free agent last month. Premier Division clubs wanted to acquire his services but he admitted Shels manager Alan Mathews was the reason why he chose First Division football for this season. He said, “There was a few clubs interested I have to say but once I met Alan my mind was made up. He is a very experienced manager in the league. He is a very technical and tactical man and wants his players to pass the ball, which is important to me especially to a wide player. He was the main reason why I joined Shelbourne.”
On Saturday night in Flancare Park against Longford Town, Byrne showed just how important a signing he is; he grabbed his side’s equaliser and caused the Town trouble throughout. Speaking to extratime.ie after the game he was delighted with the start Shels made to their league campaign; coming from behind to win 2-1. He said, “It was going to be a very tough game, not many teams are going to come down here and get three points. It’s a brilliant three points.”
As well as the three points Byrne was happy to get on the scoresheet. He is amazed how people expect him to get plenty of goals. After all he is a midfielder. “People are saying that they are expecting a lot of goals from me but I’m still a midfielder. My job is to try and get balls into the box and it’s a bonus if you score. I did well in the first Division the last time I played in it so hopefully I can do the same again. I was delighted to get the goal and a few crosses into the box. The first game is always very difficult,” said the goalscorer.
Byrne took his goal well but the winner that Shels got 12 minutes from time through David Cassidy was just exquisite. The midfielder was in awe after the superb strike. He said, "It’s probably one of the best goals I have ever seen. I was standing right behind him and the ball took an age to come down from the sky. He took it on the volley, absolute world-class.”
Before a ball was kicked Shels were installed as favourites to win the First Division. Byrne is aware that expectations are high at Tolka Park but he likes that kind of pressure. “When I was with Fingal, Shelbourne were the team to beat. There is going to be pressure on Shels. There is always going to be pressure on Shels no matter what division they are in. With the previous glory years they’ve had they want to get back there. That’s what I want,” he said.
Over the last number of years Byrne has made a name for himself as one of the best midfielders in the League of Ireland. He was very much sought after when he became a free agent last month. Premier Division clubs wanted to acquire his services but he admitted Shels manager Alan Mathews was the reason why he chose First Division football for this season. He said, “There was a few clubs interested I have to say but once I met Alan my mind was made up. He is a very experienced manager in the league. He is a very technical and tactical man and wants his players to pass the ball, which is important to me especially to a wide player. He was the main reason why I joined Shelbourne.”
