Skem chief Paul hopes Byrne will stay at club
PAUL McNally is hopeful Skelmersdale United can retain former Manchester United and Everton striker Sam Byrne next term.
Byrne joined Skelmersdale during the current campaign and had impressed with his attitude and performance levels before suffering a season-ending ankle injury.
Coronavirus has since curtailed the North West Counties season with the FA taking the decision to null and void proceedings but the 24-year-old caught the eye of McNally during his four appearances.
The Irishman had spells with Dundalk, Glentoran, Bohemians and University College Dublin in his native Republic of Ireland after leaving Everton in 2018 but returned to England to build match-fitness with Skelmersdale.
“He’s played professional, hasn’t he? I presume that’s his overall goal,” boss McNally said.
“If we can help him get there eventually, if we serve our purpose and a club comes in for him, that’s great.
“If he gets something out of us and we get something of him then that’s fine. That’s how football works, isn’t it?
“He’s playing for a pittance at our level. If he’s going to go I’d want him to go Conference North or maybe above that.
“But I don’t think he needs a move yet. I think he needs to play regularly for a couple of months – but maybe that’s just my selfish point of view!
“I think he needs to just play. His quality and his talent will get him playing higher.”
McNally added: “He’s a good option for us. There’s more to come from him but we want to keep hold of him for a bit and if he does move I’d shake his hand and say go and play at the highest level you can.
“He might go and play Football League. He’s done that already in his career. It’s good to have a player of his ability playing for us.”