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Andrew Matthews

Jack Byrne managed a badly-needed 90 minutes for Blackburn last night

The 20-year-old was back in the starting XI after being left out of the side in recent weeks.

IT’S BEEN A steady process for Manchester City’s Jack Byrne over the last 12 months.

There was an impressive loan spell at Dutch club Cambuur before he returned to the UK at the end of the season by signing a temporary deal with Blackburn.

The 20-year-old has featured in seven of the Championship club’s 11 fixtures so far this term, starting six of them.

But, his spell in Lancashire hasn’t been without its frustrations and after being replaced 56 minutes into Blackburn’s 4-3 win over Crewe at the end of August, Byrne was an unused substitute for the next four fixtures.

With the club struggling to keep their heads above water in the league, it’s certainly not been an ideal campaign for the youngster so far.

Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers - EFL Cup - Third Round - Elland Road Byrne, right, in action for Blackburn against Leeds last night. Danny Lawson Danny Lawson

But, last night, he played the full 90 minutes for the fourth time since arriving as Owen Coyle’s outfit suffered a 1-0 defeat to Leeds at Elland Road.

And he went close to scoring too as his 25-yard curler at the end of the first half was saved by Marco Silvestri.

Coyle made nine changes to his starting XI, though, and it will be interesting to see if Byrne can retain his place for Rovers’ next assignment: a visit to Derby on Saturday.

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