If not for James McClean, Jack Byrne may not have made his deadline day move to Wigan Athletic.
Byrne finally left Manchester City on a permanent deal, with confirmation coming from the club on Wednesday that the Irish midfielder had moved to the Championship outfit on a three-and-a-half year deal.
Byrne had joined City from Dublin schoolboy side St Kevin's Boys in 2015 and was sent on loan to Dutch side SC Cambuur for the duration of the 2015/16 season, when he played a starring role despite the club's relegation.
He spent the first half of this season on loan at Blackburn Rovers but has secured a permanent move to Warren Joyce's Wigan this week.
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And Republic of Ireland international James McClean, who spent two years with the Latics, gave Byrne the convincing required to sign on the dotted line.
"I moved over to Manchester City when I was only 15 and I enjoyed a loan spell over in Holland the year before last," Byrne told
WiganLatics.co.uk. "I went to Blackburn Rovers earlier this season now but I’m here now and I’m happy.
"I know James McClean very well and I spoke to him before coming here. He couldn’t speak highly enough of the club and he gave me a good feel when I spoke to him."
Byrne's new manager Joyce knows how to work with young players, having previously managed the Manchester United reserves, so will be hoping to get the best out of the 20-year-old.
"It’s been a long day but I’m delighted to get it over the line and I’m looking forward to getting started under Warren," Byrne continued.
"He played a huge part in me joining this club. His record at Manchester United speaks for itself and when I spoke to him I got a really good feel for the club.”
