Ahead of the new SSE Airtricity League 2017 season, we caught up with Shamrock Rovers’ midfielder Luke Byrne to see what he thinks ahead of the new campaign. Q: Luke, looking ahead to the new season, it’s looking good for Shamrock Rovers. You must
Ahead of the new SSE Airtricity League 2017 season, we caught up with Shamrock Rovers’ midfielder Luke Byrne to see what he thinks ahead of the new campaign.
Q: Luke, looking ahead to the new season, it’s looking good for Shamrock Rovers. You must be delighted to be a part of it?
LUKE: Absolutely, things have really started off well in pre-season and the manager is putting a really good squad together. There is a lot of energy in training so there can be no complaints and we’re all just looking forward to the start of the season.
Q: You obviously had a difficult year last year, four minutes into last season to pick up your injury. Has it been difficult for you to get back?
LUKE: It’s been tough, no denying that. A lot of players have gone through what I’ve gone through but I’m nearly at the end of the tunnel now and I’m really looking forward to getting back out there. Situations like this will only make you stronger and I really believe I can come back a better player for it.
Q: What do you think that feeling will be like when you get back on that pitch?
LUKE: I can’t really imagine it. I’ve thought about it every day since I’ve been injured, watching the lads train and not being able to join in. It still doesn’t feel like it is going to happen as you can get so used to not playing but the closer it gets, it’s just pure excitement really.
Q: And with the European football and the recruitment throughout pre-season, it looks like it could be a good year...
LUKE: Definitely, European football was a big thing for us to qualify for last year but we definitely need to improve on that this year and make sure we’re challenging at the top of the league next season. I’m confident with the squad we’ve got in space, we can do that this year. Signing players like Ronan Finn is a massive statement but it’s not surprising that we can make those signings as we’re the biggest club in the country.
