Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has admitted that he is planning for life without midfielder Jack Byrne after the transfer window, but underlined his hope that the player will stay at the club.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest ahead of the January window, which opens in just over a week's time.
Reports in Cyprus claimed that the Reds and APOEL are rivaling each other for the player, who has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 17 Irish Premier League appearances so far this season.
Amid speculation over the player’s future, Bradley outlined the club’s stance on a potential move.
“It’s my job to plan without Jack,” he told Tales from the East Stand podcast.
“If I turn around to the fans and the board in January if he goes, and we haven’t talked or planned for it, it’s a sackable offence.
“We have to plan for every scenario. Please God it’s with Jack but you have to respect that Jack has done what we brought him in to do.
“We got him back to his level and in return he helped us to be successful. With that comes interest and clubs who want to take him off your hands.
“I want to keep him but if Jack says ‘Look, this is where I want to go’ then you have to say thanks very much Jack and shake his hands.
“Hopefully he turns around and says ‘No, I want to sign a new deal’.”
Speaking earlier in the month, Bryne himself gave an update on his future.
“I am still not ruling out Shamrock Rovers. I have spoken to the club and the manager. I have told him that they will be in my mind when I am making the decision,” he said.
“It just has to be the right club and the right challenge. One of the best years of my career was playing in Holland (on loan at Cambuur in 2015/16).
“I wouldn’t rule out going back there if something good became available.”
