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Manchester City starlet Jack Byrne is set for the next phase of his football education with a loan move to Championship outfit Blackburn.

The 20-year-old midfielder had a successful season at Cambuur in the Dutch league last season, scoring four goals in 27 games as the Eredivisie minnows were relegated.

But Byrne's own performances turned a few heads, and in March he was called up to train with the senior Republic of Ireland squad as Martin O'Neill wanted to take a look.

Byrne did not make the cut for the Euros, but he left an impression with his precise passing, battling qualities … and his confidence!

His old City elite development squad boss Patrick Vieira has likened Byrne to United legends Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.

Byrne joined the Irish senior players and declared that he was “as good as anyone in the squad” - a claim which amused manager Martin O'Neill predicted might get him a couple of stiff challenges in training.

Not that is would bother Byrne, who is competitive to say the least, and has represented Ireland up to under-21 level.

He can play a holding role in midfield, with a great range of passing, but is also effective further forward – in City's Uefa Youth League campaign the season before last, he top-scored with six goals in eight games.

Having passed his test at Cambuur, Byrne can now play his way into City contention by doing well in the fiercer surroundings of the English second tier.

Has Jack Byrne got what it takes for City? Have your say below