Bradley eager to give Byrne space as contract runs down

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley is eager to give Jack Byrne time and space as he ponders whether to stay at the League of Ireland Premier Division champions next season.

Byrne, a Republic of Ireland international, has been in scintillating form this season and attracted interest from MLS side Charlotte FC last month.

The Hoops turned down a sizeable six-figure bid for the player, who is out of contract in December, with a view to keeping Byrne's talents for their European campaign starting in July.

After a goal and player of the match performance in Derry, the midfielder received more praise and it’s evident interest will grow given he will be a free agent in a matter of months.

The 27-year-old has been offered a new deal with talks at an early stage.

Bradley said there are no concerns over the hardship of losing a valuable asset for free given they’ve turned down a bid: "When you make decisions like we made a couple of weeks back, we made it understanding it could be the case (he could leave for free).

"We're fine with that. We have nothing but respect for Jack and if that is what he decides come the end of the season we just have to thank him for what he has done for this club

"Jack is playing a really high level at the moment. He is playing at a level we saw a couple of years ago. Last year, to be fair to Jack, he was carrying a bad injury on his back and we were trying to help him and manage him. He just couldn't shake it.

"This year he is injury-free and when Jack is in this form and mindset there is nothing in the country that touches it

"The club has started that process with Jack and his representatives but these things take time. Jack has every right to take his time, look at every option and the contract.

"He