‘A very creative player’ – Stoke battling Nottingham Forest and others for 9-goal midfielder: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Stoke City are reportedly keen on Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne after his strong start to the 2020/21 campaign – having scored nine times already this term.

According to Protathlima, the Potters are keen on the 24-year-old but face competition from Nottingham Forest, Preston North End, and APOEL Nicosia.

But would he be a good signing? And do they need him?

We quizzed our FLW writers for their thoughts…

George Dagless

Worth a look.

He’s had a good time in Ireland and I think there’s now a case for him to move on and try and make it elsewhere.

He’s been linked with APOEL and Mick McCarthy but I would like to see him head to England and really show what he can do.

Stoke have some good players but I do think there is room for someone like Byrne and Michael O’Neill will know a fair deal about him, I’m sure, so it could be a wise move.

Indeed, of the three Championship clubs linked here, I think Stoke might be his best option.

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George Harbey

This would be a good signing, in my view.

Stoke have some good attacking options in midfield, and the likes of Nick Powell and James McClean always tend to pop up with a goal or two.

Byrne has been given a new lease of life since joining Shamrock after a troubling spell at Oldham, and 10 goals and 8 assists in 25 games this season shows that he is clearly on fire.

He is a very creative player with an eye for goal, and with his contract expiring this time next season, they could get him for a cut-price deal if they wish.

He’d be a good addition.

Jacob Potter

He could be worth a punt in the New Year.

Byrne has been brilliant for Shamrock Rovers over the years, and he’s more than played his part in their unbeaten start to this year’s league campaign in Ireland.

At the age of 24, he’s still got his best years ahead of him, and I think he’d be a solid addition for Stoke City.

The Potters are struggling for strength in depth with an injury crisis at the moment, and they could certainly benefit from signing a player of his creative ability in the New Year.

Competition for places is never a bad dilemma to have in a squad, and his potential arrival could see some of Michael O’Neill’s squad up their level of performance.

This ultimately could see them mount a serious challenge for promotion into the Premier League this term, so it’s a deal that ticks all the boxes for me.