BYRNE’S LIKE KEANE THEY’RE BOTH NUTS!

PATRICK Vieira had plenty of famous battles with Roy Keane in their playing days.

And you wonder what the former United enforcer’s reaction would be if the City EDS coach helped to develop a world-class, Irish midfielder at the Etihad.

Jack Byrne has already attracted the attention of now-assistant manager of Ireland Keane, and Vieira is happy to admit that the 19-year-old shares an important trait with Keane.

“I didn’t know Roy at this age so you can’t compare these two players,” he said.

“Roy had a magnificent career and Jack hasn’t started his yet.

“The only way to compare them is that they are both nuts!”

“But you need that, especially when you’re Irish. I don’t know any player with his quality who isn’t a bit like that – it’s just part of his character.

“In a competitive world, the desire and personality of a player can be the difference. Sometimes people get it wrong between having a personality and being cocky.

“I’ve never had any issues with Jack. I love him more than anything else.

“It’s just part of the game and when you look at top players, they have character.”

Byrne was an important figure in the EDS side’s run to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Youth League last season, scoring six goals in eight appearances from midfield.

He admitted last month in an M.E.N Sport interview that his game is still developing and that while he has been told he excels in attacking midfield, he does enjoy sitting a bit further back to bring out his passing game.

Having signed a threeyear deal to commit to City and gone on a season-long loan to Dutch side Cambuur, not in doubt is just how far Byrne has come on.

The Ireland Under-21 international has already surpassed the expectations of Vieira, with the coach admitting that – while he wanted to keep Byrne for the new season – a loan is the best step for his development.

“The next step for Jack was to play man football,” said the former World Cup-winning midfielder.

“I’d have loved to keep Jack for my team this season but the way he played last season, particularly the last three or four months, it was time for him to go out an challenge himself.

“It’ll be good for him to be in a tougher environment and it was brave to make that decision.

“He understands the game quicker than anyone else and his technique is really good.

“Jack has got to a level that I didn’t expect, to be honest. He showed me that I was wrong.

“He has the potential and he has a massive chance.

“When you have that talent and desire, it just a question of time.”