Del ties up Rich deal for left-back

Feb 20 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

DEREK McInnes yesterday drafted in Richie Byrne from Inverness to fill his problem left-back slot as the league leaders head for Dumfries.

The 27-year-old Irishman has come through a tortuous time with injury but he’ll face Queen of the South tomorrow as Saints bid to match the 19-game unbeaten record set under Bobby Brown in 1963.

The former Dunfermline and Aberdeen defender’s last competitive match was for Oldham in October and he found himself slipping down the pecking order in the Highlands when Craig Brewster was replaced in the managerial office by Terry Butcher.

But McInnes is confident the solid six-footer will prove a valuable addition to the Perth squad, with his initial recruitment on one month emergency loan.

His arrival will release Liam Craig to fill a more offensive midfield role.

Byrne (27) has had three reserve games for the Caley Jags in recent weeks and McInnes was impressed with his display in midweek against Dundee United. That prompted the Perth manager to rekindle interest in a player he has admired for years.

Byrne trained with his new colleagues yesterday and said: “I have had an awkward time of it to say the least and it’s been a while since I last played in anger.

“But I feel I’m getting there now. I’m ready to step it up and I believe I can do a job here.

“I ruptured my hamstring at Aberdeen and that was the start of my injury troubles. I just slipped coming down from a header. It was so simple and stupid. I’d had it easy before that.

“I’m determined to take this chance and make a good impression.”

Irish B cap Byrne is the latest victim of misinformation spread by the Wikipedia site.

He laughed: “They’ve got me down for having a trial with Paul le Guen at Paris St Germain. But I’ve never been near the club.

“I was in Holland at NEC but Paris is news to me. I’ve no idea where that came from. I was in Oldham not Paris! Some people have too much time on their hands.

“Terry Butcher has a few options at Inverness and the team has done well since he came in. So it’s nice to be here and hopefully I can play my part. I hope to do myself justice.”

McInnes admitted his search for a left-back had been well documented and he believes Byrne has qualities to complete the jigsaw.

“Richie has had his injury problems but he has been training for the last six weeks and I saw him in action.

“I know the type of player he is. Richie is solid and athletic and a powerful lad.

“He has the experience to come in and play that role for us. Richie is here for a month and we’ll see how it shapes up for all concerned.

“Obviously the left-back area has been a problem for us in terms of bringing the right one in. Hopefully he will have the same impact that Paul Hanlon had coming from Hibs.”

With Andy Jackson out, Peter MacDonald could feature on the bench.

Former Falkirk striker Graham Barrett is now training with Hearts after a few days in Perth.

McInnes isn’t ruling out an addition to his squad. But he said: “Like some other Peaso hasn’t been playing regularly. It has been frustrating for them.

“But I have been pleased with the pairing of Derek Holmes and Stevie Milne. The importance of a squad is that everyone will have their part to play.

“Injuries open doors for other players and the challenge is there for everyone. I go by what I see on the training field as well as in games.

“We are going to Dumfries to win and the onus is on us to score goals at a venue which has been difficult for the club in the past. But there is no need to panic about bringing in a striker for Saturday. I have quality options.

“The last game we lost was in August so this is a tremendous run we are on and we want to keep it going as long as possible.”