UCD sign former Ireland under-21 striker Sam Byrne from Bohemians

UCD have strengthened their striking options for the remainder of the season with the signing of Sam Byrne from Bohemians.

The former Manchester United and Everton trainee is the third arrival of the summer for Collie O’Neill’s side following the capture of Jack Keaney and Liam Kerrigan from Sligo Rovers.

It’s been a summer of significant change in the Students’ ranks as captain Gary O’Neill and winger Neil Farrugia joined Shamrock Rovers while striker Conor Davis joined Derry City.

Ireland under-21 defender Liam Scales is also set to leave the club and, though his protracted transfer saga with Bristol Rovers shows no sign of concluding, he has left the squad.

“Sam’s hungry to succeed and will add a huge amount to our squad,” Collie O’Neill told the club’s media team.

“He has undoubted quality, has huge potential, and I’m confident that he will hit the ground running.”

Byrne moved to England as a 16-year-old to join the youth ranks at Manchester United and spent time on loan with Carlisle United, but a serious knee injury halted his progress.

Another serious injury occurred during his spell with Everton and Byrne returned to Ireland with Dundalk in 2018, initially on loan and then on a permanent deal in the summer.

He failed to make the breakthrough at Oriel Park and, following a loan spell in the Irish League with Glentoran, the 23-year-old joined Bohs at the beginning of 2019.