THE CARLISLE GROUNDS has been lit up by the return of a familiar face this season.
After leaving the Seagulls in 2003, Jason Byrne went on to enjoy a trophy-laden career with Shelbourne and Bohemians and a brief spell at Cardiff City.
At the beginning of 2012 however, Pat Devlin persuaded the Tallaght native to rejoin the club he first tasted top-flight football with and it has proved a masterstroke. Byrne has weighed in with 11 of Bray’s 23 league goals and his exploits were recognised last week when he picked up Airtricity League Player of the Month for May.
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And, talking to TheScore earlier today, he says he has rediscovered his thirst for the game this term.
“I’m enjoying my football and was delighted with the award. It’s good to be around young lads, it makes you feel young again.
“They’re doing all the hard work and I’m getting a few goals so things have gone perfectly. Personal accolades are nice but I owe it to my team-mates.”
At 34, Byrne remains one of the country’s best finishers and, in April, his Midas touch in front of goal saw him move up to second on the League of Ireland’s all-time top scorers’ list behind Brendan Bradley. Although he admits that equalling the former Derry City and Finn Harps legend’s tally is an unrealistic aim, another milestone is in sight.
“I’m a bit away from that and would probably have to play until about 40 to catch him! It would be great to get to 200 though.”
Byrne has had to adapt his game and much of the doggy work off the ball has been sacrificed.
“I don’t do as much running now as I used to. I’ve been told to just stay around the box and make sure I’m on the end of chances.”
Looking beyond the current campaign, he adds that while he has no complaints physically, he has yet to decide on his future.
You know your own body. It’s all about reserving yourself and looking after yourself. I said at the start of the season that I’ll see how it goes and it has wet my appetite again. Whether I’ll play on after next season, we’ll see.
Bray, level with Cork and Bohemians on 15 points, host the Leesiders tonight on the back of two defeats in the past week and Devlin has been speaking about cutting out the silly mistakes.
Byrne agrees: “What’s killing us is the individual mistakes and not taking your chances at times. It’s important to win every home game so that’s what we will be aiming to do tonight.”
Byrne identity: Veteran striker feeling at home with Seagulls
THE CARLISLE GROUNDS has been lit up by the return of a familiar face this season.
After leaving the Seagulls in 2003, Jason Byrne went on to enjoy a trophy-laden career with Shelbourne and Bohemians and a brief spell at Cardiff City.
At the beginning of 2012 however, Pat Devlin persuaded the Tallaght native to rejoin the club he first tasted top-flight football with and it has proved a masterstroke. Byrne has weighed in with 11 of Bray’s 23 league goals and his exploits were recognised last week when he picked up Airtricity League Player of the Month for May.
And, talking to TheScore earlier today, he says he has rediscovered his thirst for the game this term.
“I’m enjoying my football and was delighted with the award. It’s good to be around young lads, it makes you feel young again.
At 34, Byrne remains one of the country’s best finishers and, in April, his Midas touch in front of goal saw him move up to second on the League of Ireland’s all-time top scorers’ list behind Brendan Bradley. Although he admits that equalling the former Derry City and Finn Harps legend’s tally is an unrealistic aim, another milestone is in sight.
“I’m a bit away from that and would probably have to play until about 40 to catch him! It would be great to get to 200 though.”
Byrne has had to adapt his game and much of the doggy work off the ball has been sacrificed.
“I don’t do as much running now as I used to. I’ve been told to just stay around the box and make sure I’m on the end of chances.”
Looking beyond the current campaign, he adds that while he has no complaints physically, he has yet to decide on his future.
Bray, level with Cork and Bohemians on 15 points, host the Leesiders tonight on the back of two defeats in the past week and Devlin has been speaking about cutting out the silly mistakes.
Byrne agrees: “What’s killing us is the individual mistakes and not taking your chances at times. It’s important to win every home game so that’s what we will be aiming to do tonight.”
London 2012: Introducing… Natalya Coyle
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Airtricity League Airtricity League Premier Division Bray Wanderers Brendan Bradley Jason Byrne LOIlive Pat Devlin