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Jack Byrne has flown to Cyprus with a view to closing a deal to join Mick McCarthy’s APOEL Nicosia.
The Dubliner have turned down offers from Shamrock Rovers and elsewhere to start a new chapter with the former Ireland manager.
Byrne still has to complete a medical examination once he receives the result of the mandatory Covid-19 test that is required upon arrival.
However, it is understood that the Ireland international is in line to sign a two and a half year contract once there are no last minute problems.
McCarthy was appointed APOEL’s manager in early November.
He was quick to ask questions about Byrne, whose contract with Shamrock Rovers ended after the FAI Cup final.
Rovers made a ‘fantastic offer’ to the 24-year-old in an attempt to convince him to stay, but they always knew he was likely to leave and the playmaker has decided to go for the Cypriot option after they made a strong play. for their services. .
He had interest from the UK and also the US where there were MLS options he could have explored.
But those close to Byrne feel that McCarthy is a perfect fit at this stage of the player’s career because of his man-management skills.
It was also considered vital that Byrne go to a club where the coach really wanted him. McCarthy is confident in the Dubliner’s ability (he crowned him twice in 2019) and has room for that type of player in his plans.
APOEL ranks ninth in the Cypriot table and is still feeling the effects of a difficult start to the season that resulted in the turmoil that opened the door for McCarthy.
The results had bounced back to a 3-0 loss to city rivals Omonia earlier this month, which was the last game before a mid-season break.
They don’t play again until tomorrow, but Byrne won’t be eligible until the transfer window opens.
He will need to prove his fitness before being considered for an away game with Doxa on January 5.
Two years ago this month, Byrne returned home to Dublin after a miserable spell with Kilmarnock to cap off a shaky spell in the UK, where he bounced from club to club.
He has rebuilt his career with Stephen Bradley, working his way into the Ireland team to win four internationals and was voted PFA Ireland Player of the Year in his two seasons here.
McCarthy gave Byrne his Irish debut off the bench in a friendly with Bulgaria last September and then started it against New Zealand two months later.
Online editors
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