IRELAND U19 STRIKER Sam Byrne has signed a professional contract with Premier League outfit Everton.

The 18-year-old from Kill, Co. Kildare was previously at Manchester United, in the youth set-up, for three seasons. He was released by United in late May but received offers of interest from six Premier League clubs and several Championship sides.

Byrne has a prolific scoring record in the Irish underage set-up. He made his Ireland U19 debut in late October and scored twice in his first three caps. He has made 10 appearances in total for the U19s and found the net seven times. His most recent goals came in the 2-1 victory over Iceland at Tallaght Stadium, two months ago.

The former St Joseph’s Boys player was loaned out, by Manchester United, to Carlisle last season. Playing under Graham Kavanagh [16 times capped with Ireland], Byrne made 13 appearances and scored once. Byrne scored his first professional goal for Carlisle, which he scored in February against Coventry [go to 1:40].

Byrne will play with Kevin Sheedy’s Everton U21 side next season and hope to break into the first-team squad.

Rooney, Mata and De Gea named in strong Man Utd squad for US tour

Champions League draw sets up possible showdown between Pat’s and Celtic later this month