Shaun Byrne - the Interview
Sunday, 23rd Dec 2012"I just feel I need to make the most of this chance, I need to be confident, so I don't feel the pressure, and the coaches don't put pressure on me,
Pars Under 20 captain Shaun Byrne has been receiving a lot of praise of late with many believing the point at which he will make a real breakthrough to a regular first team place is not far off. Ali Anderson spoke to Shaun about his progress for The Game, the Pars matchday programme.
You've been playing football since you were four years old - a great example of starting early and working your way up, ending up initially with the U11s at Celtic - how did that feel?
"Well it was good to start off with Celtic as it gave me a real taste of what it's like to play at that kind of Club. We got to travel with the team to play against youth teams at Ajax, Marseilles, St Etienne and we got to play at Qatar sports centre which was an amazing place, a totally brilliant experience. Celtic looked after me really well but my last year with them was really tough, doing all that travelling to training after school was very tiring so when Dunfermline asked me to join I was delighted.
" My teachers at Buckhaven School were always very supportive, they never held me back and would let me away early for night matches. They always made sure I got the chance to catch up with my studies. It's hard work being at school all day then training after school and getting up and doing it all over again so being closer to home at Dunfermline was a big help."
You've been with DAFC since U15 level, but it was former manager Jim McIntyre who recognised the potential in you and gave you the chance to play with the First Team?
"Yes, it was Jim McIntyre who gave me the contract in January. But this is where the really hard work starts. Jim Jefferies is great, he is always there watching at training, he doesn't miss anything, and Gerry (McCabe) and Neil (McCann) are very encouraging too so there is a good spirit in training. It's really worked well - Jim's decision to get in some younger players and we all get on really well, there are no cliques. And playing with guys like Craig Dargo who also plays in the U20s games is brilliant, I'm learning so much from him and I think we're building up a really good partnership. Potts (John Potter) is brilliant too, so good with the coaching, and very positive. Everything seems to be clicking for us this season."
How many appearances have you made so far this season?
"One in league cup against Montrose, two in the league, and the Partick Thistle match for the Cup too - it felt really good beating them after such a bad defeat at their hands the last time."
You've had some great accolades early on like U19 Player of the Year 2011/12 - great to be recognised for your talent? Or do you feel the pressure of expectation?
"I just feel I need to make the most of this chance, I need to be confident, so I don't feel the pressure, and the coaches don't put pressure on me, I've got freedom and I'm not scared to try anything because they are so encouraging and positive. So I don't get nerves with people like McCann, McCabe and Jim Jefferies encouraging me to play my own game."
You're from Kennoway originally - any Raith Rovers fans in your family or were you a Pars supporter from an early age?
"I've always been interested in Dunfermline, and my wee brother who is 8 is a huge Pars fan. I'm lucky as my family is very supportive - my Dad died when I was young, but my Gran has always been there for me, she washed my boots for me, came to watch my games, woke me up in morning to get me to matches and training."
Who do you most admire in the current football scene? Any heroes?
"Steven Gerrard - because he's a leader and I love the way he plays, big and strong and fast, he's a brilliant midfielder so definitely my favourite player."
Favourite football moment in your career so far?
"Definitely making my debut for Dunfermline at the Montrose game. I'd been on the bench nearly the whole of the previous season so it was a great chance to get on the pitch, I was itching to get on! Last season I missed Under 19s games because I was training with the first team but this season I'm always getting to play as Captain with under 20s and in the first team squad, so I'm always match fit."
What advice would you give to young players in the youth teams given your experience so far?
"Just work hard all the time, always listen to your coaches, and make the most of your opportunity."
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