Stephen Bradley is backing Jack Byrne to reclaim a place in the Republic of Ireland squad.
Capped twice by Mick McCarthy, the Shamrock Rovers playmaker was not included in Stephen Kenny’s first squad when it was announced on Monday.
But he is on standby for the Nations League double-header against Bulgaria and Finland next week.
Byrne is determined to play his way back into the mix ahead of a busy autumn and winter international schedule - and Hoops boss Bradley is convinced he can.
Bradley said today: “Jack has been fine. He’s been really good with it and you can see his maturity.
“He's had a good conversation with Stephen and I think Jack will always feel he has enough to help the squad win games and I feel that as well.
“His ability is something we haven't got. We don’t have that type of player in the squad and, as Stephen Kenny said, he’s not too far away.
“I see him being heavily involved in the group going forward, he's just unlucky to miss out.
“I had a good conversation with Jack on Monday night when he'd spoken to Stephen and he was fine, he was clear in his head what he has been doing, what he has to do.”
It was Byrne’s performances in Europe last season that Mick McCarthy was initially drawn to.
And Rovers are back on the Europa League stage tomorrow when they host Finnish Cup winners Ilves Tampere in a one-leg clash at Tallaght Stadium.
Byrne has been dogged by back spasms but is expected to play and Bradley said: “He has been managing it for three or four months.
“Against Shels last week, I saw signs that Jack was back to his best with his work ethic and ability on the ball.
“It was about getting him up to speed for the first few games and I'd imagine from here on in you'll see Jack back to his level.”
