25 August 2023 , 17:22
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Newcastle United have snapped up two highly-rated Irish youngsters with Cathal Heffernan and Reece Byrne joining the ambitious club.
Heffernan, who previously played for AC Milan, and Byrne, who joins from Irish Premier League side Bohemians, have both represented their country at underage level. Both have had to wait for their chances in English football due to Brexit regulations which mean that Irish youngsters are unable to move across the water until they turn 18.
Heffernan, for example, joined AC Milan despite having trials with several Premier League teams. The defender makes the switch to Newcastle after a successful period training with the club last month.
Heffernan admitted he was pinching himself after signing his contract at St James' Park. "It's surreal to join such a big club like Newcastle. It's definitely a club that is on the rise and with a lot of history," he said (via ChronicleLive ).
"During the last week, I've been so excited to get started and I'm now looking forward to a big season ahead. The first thing I noticed when I arrived on trial was the lads were really welcoming and I just want to carry that on into the season, getting to know them more. The people of Newcastle are also really nice, too.
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"I have become a much better defender during my time at AC Milan and I learnt so many things to improve my game during my two seasons in Italy which should stand me in good stead for the future.
"The goal, when playing academy football, is to try and break into a first-team as quick as you can and, hopefully, I can do that at Newcastle United."
Goalkeeper Byrne's arrival adds to the growing presence of young Irish talent at Newcastle United, with Alex Murphy already in the north East. Unlike their European Union counterparts, Irish prospects do not require a work permit at the age of 18 due to the Common Travel Area agreement.
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