Dan Byrne fulfilled a childhood dream as he led Newcastle to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
The Bryce-born defender was released at the age of 11 by the club he supported, but returned last January with a £13m deal.
On Tuesday night, he scored his first goal for the opener Magpies in a 2-0 quarter-final win over Leicester at St James’ Park. Possibility to end the wait for major trophies dating back to 1969.
Asked about his contribution to the famous night at Tyneside, the 30-year-old told NUFC TV: That East has grown up sitting in his stands dreaming of scoring in front of Gallowgate.
“My whole family is sitting in that corner. I ended up running out of space and had to slip my knees. It was amazing. Glad I didn’t cry on TV. Right before that sitter. I missed the , so I’m very happy I was able to break that duck.
“All the players take Mick from me when I don’t score in training, so I’m happy I did it and no one can take it away from me.”
Byrne, a center-half by trade and a dominant 6-foot-6 player, plays at left-back for Eddie Howe’s in-form Newcastle side, but his first goal was not a header. , determined by the cultural right swish. legs.
Howe admits:
“He missed his header and it will be disappointing. It probably wouldn’t have scored, but it was actually a beautiful goal.”
After the final whistle blew, Byrne was celebrated with a backstage dance that went viral on social media, singing “He’s from Blythe. Dan Byrne” to the melody of Pretty Green Eyes by Force and Styles. It wasn’t before I chanted, “I’ll never beat you.” It was running around St. James.
The former Darlington, Fulham and Brighton defender said: I didn’t expect it to be popular, but it’s pretty catchy. ”
Byrne’s 60th-minute strike was followed by Joelinton’s two-second 12 minutes later to take Newcastle to the semi-finals for the first time in the competition since 2005, but the club are now third in the Premier League. increase. lie.
Byrne said:
Leicester head into Saturday’s derby match against Nottingham Forest, and boss Brendan Rodgers admits they must improve if they are to thrive.
Rogers said: There was a lot of effort, a lot of spirit.
“We have to go to the next game and fight. If we want to get something out of that game, we have to play better.”
