Byrne training with Athletic youth team

Athletic manager Frankie Bunn has confirmed that attacking midfielder Jack Byrne has breached club discipline and will train with the club's youth team 'for the forseeable future'.

Reports surfaced last month that Byrne had been suspended at the same time as then club skipper Anthony Gerrard was sacked.

The talented Irishman hasn't featured at all so far this season in League Two, but the recent lack of clarity regarding his situation led to a fan campaign on social media - #FreeJackByrne.

However, at today's (Thursday) pre-match press conference, boss Bunn confirmed that Byrne has been disciplined.

Bunn said: "It's been an ongoing saga.

"Jack has breached a couple of discipline rules and is no longer training with the first team squad.

"He's training with the youth team for the foreseeable future.

"It's been since the early days of pre-season.

"There have been a couple of issues but it's out now.

"We don't like what happened and this is how we've dealt with it.

"You can't have people going against the tide.

"We're trying to produce a family atmosphere and a good working relationship with everybody and this is what we need.

"There has been no distraction for the players at all.

"There have been no ifs or buts, it's just something we needed to keep a lid on until now.

"The togetherness of the squad is good.

"All of the staff around the club have been fantastic and the supporters have joined in with that.

"It's a club that needs togetherness as we are starting again and building foundations, and we can't have anybody fighting against us, certainly not within the ranks of the club."

Dublin-born Byrne (22) made a move to Athletic permanent last January after initially signing on loan from Wigan Athletic, and had hoped to revive his career and international hopes after spells at Manchester City, SC Cambuur, and Blackburn Rovers.

He scored eight goals in 44 appearances last season.

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