The club has completed the signing of former Drogheda United and St Patrick’s Athletic left winger and Republic of Ireland U19 player, Thomas Byrne.
Thomas (20) was a youth player with Brighton but has spent the past 2 years in the League of Ireland, where he was considered to be a very hot prospect with the potential to return to cross channel football. He played pre-season for Glenavon but picked the Glens after appearing in our recent friendly wins over Ballyclare Comrades, Knockbreda and PSNI.
Mick McDermott: “Thomas is a very exciting signing for us. He will be a valuable attacking asset to our team as he is young, versatile and can play multiple positions across the front – left, right or central. He has great ability on the ball and is the sort of player who will excite our supporters. We’re delighted to get Thomas onboard as there were several other Premiership clubs keen on him as well as clubs in the Republic.”
Thomas said before training on Monday night: “I’m absolutely buzzing to have signed for Glentoran. I’ve been travelling up and down the road with Peersy And Peps and they’ve had nothing but good things to say about the club. All the boys here have been great helping me to settle in. Then to come out and see the stadium really brought home the size of the club. I just can’t wait to get going and show the Glentoran supporters what I can do.
My favourite position is left side or number ten, but the gaffer has told me he wants me to show a bit of versatility. That suits me as I love being wherever the ball is. The season can’t come quick enough and I know we’ll all go in with all guns blazing.”
