Jack Byrne is open to playing further afield than Ireland and the UK but insists he won’t rush a decision on his future.
The Republic of Ireland international is weighing up his options as he is out of contract with Shamrock Rovers.
Bournemouth, Stoke City, Colorado Rapids and Mick McCarthy’s Cypriot side APOEL are among the clubs keen on the playmaker.
APOEL are believed to have tabled an offer to Byrne who was today crowned PFAI ‘Player of the Year’ for the second year running.
The Dubliner is currently in Dubai on holidays and will play a waiting game over the coming weeks.
But quizzed about moving away from Ireland or the UK, Byrne said today: “It has to be the right club and the right challenge.
“One of the best years of my career was playing in Holland (on loan with Cambuur from Man City). I wouldn't rule out going back there if something good became available.
“You can't rule out anything and you never know when the phone is going to ring. I'm not just looking towards England or Shamrock Rovers.
“There are a lot of things that I have to take into consideration and I will be over the next couple of weeks.”
Rovers have made Byrne a ‘fantastic offer’, according to Hoops boss Stephen Bradley, and the midfielder has enjoyed being surrounded by family.
But having spent most of his career outside of Ireland, the former Wigan, Oldham and Kilmarnock man says being close to home won't be central to his decision.
Byrne continued: “It does come into the decision, of course, but at the same time there comes a point in time where you might just need to take a step for yourself.
“If I’m leaving the club where I’m playing week in, week out, I’d have to be somewhere where at least I’d get a shot.
“I'd be hoping that people will respect that it's still early in their transfer windows in England, Europe or America.
“I signed the last day of the summer window for Kilmarnock, I signed the last day of the January window for Wigan.
“I understand these things don't just happen even though you’re a free agent.
“Could I turn around tomorrow and get something? Yeah. Would it be the right thing to do? You don't know all the options on the table so it wouldn't be the right thing to do.
“I’m still not ruling out Shamrock Rovers. I’ve spoken to the club and the manager and
they’re okay waiting a little bit.”
