Ex-Blue Sam may need surgery – as Skem move clear
FORMER Manchester United and Everton striker Sam Byrne could require surgery on his season-ending ankle injury at Skelmersdale United.
Byrne joined United midway through the campaign and had impressed manager Paul McNally with his attitude and performances after leaving Everton in 2018.
Spells with Dundalk, Glentoran, Bohemians and University College Dublin in his native Republic of Ireland followed but he returned to England to build match-fitness with the North West Counties club.
Byrne helped United to three victories in his four appearances but it is understood he has since aggravated an existing injury.
The 24-year-old is now weighing up surgery after a previously inserted pin came loose in his ankle.
Skelmersdale are hopeful Byrne will recover in time for pre-season and continue rebuilding his career at JMO Sports Park.
United toasted an important victory last weekend when their 2-1 victory over high-flying NWCFL Premier Division rivals Bootle fired them nine points clear of relegation danger.
The Blues trailed to Carl Peers’ opener with 20 minutes remaining but goals from Jordan Tyrer and Jason Carey secured the win.
Goalkeeper Ben Barnes produced a superb penalty save to keep United ahead and McNally believes his side deserved their luck.
“I’ve asked for a response from the lads and they have given me it,” the former Litherland REMYCA manager said of the comeback.
“I think we could have scored more than two and we’ve saved a penalty so you can argue it could have been a draw but we haven’t had a lot of luck so I’ll take that.
“I was made up with the response of the lads.”
McNally also lavished praise on spot-kick hero Barnes, adding: “What a keeper Ben is. Cometh the hour, cometh the man.
“I was thankful for that [save] because our luck hasn’t gone our way in previous home games.”
Skem faced Bootle again on Tuesday, losing 3-1 there in the Liverpool CFA Senior Cup.
Match reports: p46&47