Byrne earns short-term deal

Defender handed one-month Oldham contract

Last updated: 8th September 2008

John Sheridan Goals on Sunday Jan 2008

Sheridan: Byrne deal

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Richie Byrne has been challenged to prove he is worthy of an extended deal at Oldham after signing on an initial one-month contract.

The Irish defender was granted international clearance in time to earn a place on the bench ahead of the 1-0 win over Tranmere at the weekend.

Byrne, 26, was released by Aberdeen at the end of the season and had trials with Wigan, Paris St Germain and NEC Nijmegen over the summer.

But having signed a short-term deal with John Sheridan's side, he now has the opportunity to push for a longer stay.

Addition

Sheridan told the club's official website: "I've had a look at Richie and I've liked what I've seen so far.

"He can play left-back of centre-half and I think he'll be a useful addition to the squad.

"Hopefully we can try to get him some football while he's here.

"We need competition at left-back because although Kelvin (Lomax) is playing well, I want someone to be pushing him."