Byrne bags Latics deal

OFF YOU GO: Athletic manager John Sheridan is sent to the stands by referee Andy Hall.

ATHLETIC have signed Republic of Ireland ‘B’ international defender Richie Byrne on a one-month contract.

The 26-year-old was drafted in after impressing manager John Sheridan during a short trial, and he went straight into the squad against Tranmere on Saturday.

Byrne was an unused substitute as Athletic continued their excellent start to the season with a 1-0 away success.

And Sheridan says the ex-Aberdeen man could go on to have a long-term future at Boundary Park.

He explained: “I’ve had a look at Richie and liked what I’ve seen. He can play left-back or centre-half so he’s a very good addition to the squad.

“Left-back is a position where we have needed some cover, so I’m pleased to get somebody in with a bit of experience.

“Kelvin Lomax is playing there at the moment — and he’s doing well — but I don’t want him getting into a comfort zone.

“Richie gives us competition and, once he has played a few games, we’ll see what happens further down the line. He might be here for longer than a month.”

Byrne started out with Shamrock Rovers before joining Dunfermline and making an appearance in the Scottish Cup final.

He had a three-year spell with Aberdeen but encountered injury problems and was released at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, Sheridan could be hit with a touchline ban after being sent off at Tranmere.

The Athletic boss was ordered away from the dug-out during the first half by referee Andy Hall, whose performance was widely criticised.

The incident is likely to be included in Mr Hall’s report, leaving Sheridan to face an FA charge.

Sheridan said: “I don’t even know why I was sent off. I only asked him to let the game flow instead of blowing his whistle all the time, although it might have been the way I said it.”