Football: BYRNE'S ON FIRE

SHELBOURNE boss Pat Fenlon reckons Jason Byrne is good enough to follow in the footsteps of rival striker Glen Crowe and pull on the green of Ireland one day.

After netting three goals in his first two games for the Dubliners since signing from Bray, the 'Jason Byrne for Ireland campaign' is already underway.

But Fenlon believes it is still a bit premature to be talking in such glowing terms.

He said: "He is a very good player with a real nose for goal, no one will argue with that.

"But he still has a lot of work to do. Jason is new to full-time football and Glen (called up to the Republic of Ireland squad this week) has a bit of a headstart on him in that respect.

"To play international football you need to be a full-time pro for a while. But once Jason gets that under his belt he's going to be very, very good.

"However that's Brian Kerr's call, not mine. Who he picks for his international team is his business. But it's a possibility that Jason will play for Ireland one day. Certainly if he keeps doing what he's doing he must be in with a chance."

Byrne scored the only goal of the game as Shels beat Derry 1-0 at Tolka Park on Friday to make it two wins from two, but suffered a calf strain and is doubt for Tuesday's visit of Longford.

The 25-year-old said: "I was just delighted to score, especially as it turned out to be the winner, but we made hard work of it in the end."

He was, however, less forthcoming about his international prospects and admitted: "I am just concentrating on playing for Shelbourne, no more, no less. Meanwhile, it is feared Derry's Tommy McCallion damaged cruciate ligaments in his right knee on Friday.

Boss Kevin Mahon said: "We can't say for certain at this stage, but it looks pretty bad."

Veteran Liam Coyle, crocked by an Ollie Cahill tackle at Tolka Park, also looks like missing Tuesday's crucial home fixture against Drogheda at the Brandywell with a leg injury with Derry yet to pick up any points this season.

Mahon admits it's a must-win match, even at this early stage of the campaign. He said: "We are already playing catch-up and cannot afford to lose any more ground."

Cork boss Pat Dolan heaped praise on hat-trick hero John O'Flynn following their 3-0 win at UCD ahead of Tuesday's home clash against defending champions Bohs.

He continues, though, to play down his side's title hopes.

He said: "John was excellent and we were good but there are better teams in the league."

But College boss Paul Doolin snapped: "It was probably the worst we have played in the time I have been in charge."

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