On another frustrating night for Stephen Kenny and his Ireland side, many Irish fans have been left wondering what must happen for Jack Byrne to be afforded some meaningful game-time.
In a game that saw Ireland surpass the 10-hour mark without scoring a goal, the continued absence of Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne from Stephen Kenny's team became a bone of contention for fans.
Hard to believe Jack Byrne wouldn't be able to cope in this particular game.
At least he would want the football— Paul Little (@little_football) November 18, 2020
Not one of that starting midfield could lace Jack Byrne’s boots. Get him on FFS. #IRL
— Gary O Hanlon (@gazzachef) November 18, 2020
It’s always Jack Byrne time. https://t.co/CXMxBQjcZe
— Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (@AodhanORiordain) November 18, 2020
How Jack Byrne doesn't get more time on the pitch I'll never know. 🤷🏼♂️
— Eric Lilywhite Lightning Donovan (@ericdonovanbox) November 18, 2020
Byrne. Parrott. Cmon already.
— Cian (@Cianaf) November 18, 2020
Get Jack Byrne on the pitch! Someone who can pick a pass 👍🏼🇮🇪☘️
— Jason O'Connor (@Jayoconnor8) November 18, 2020
Get Jack Byrne on!!!!
— Jason O'Connor (@Jayoconnor8) November 18, 2020
Its Wes Hoolahan situation all over again with Jack Byrne and Ireland #Coybig #IRLBUL thought we might have got beyond that stuff. @offtheball grim outlook. If he played 4 tier in england he'd be on.. game crying out for it but..
— Geoff Kane (@GeoffreyKane) November 18, 2020
Is Jack Byrne trending yet?
— Thomas (@newmandate) November 18, 2020
This game already is crying out for Jack Byrne
— John O'Shea (@JohnOShea1993) November 18, 2020
Just bring on Jack Byrne FFS. How much more obvious does it need to be?
— Peter Clarke (@Stuttgart1988) November 18, 2020
Speaking on Virgin Media Sport pre-match, former Republic of Ireland international Damien Delaney considered Kenny's decision to overlook the League of Ireland midfielder for tonight's game.
"Stephen just seems to have gone for a touch more experience," Delaney reasoned, "with players playing in the UK [and] I'm sure he has his reasons.
"I suppose if you're chasing a game or looking to see a game out then Jack is always an option off the bench and he is a very, very good player.
"He was unlucky though in the last game with the squared-pass that resulted in Jeff Hendrick being sent-off, so maybe that's played into Stephen's thinking a little bit."
After a disappointing first-half that finished goalless, Josh Cullen was Kenny's first substitution when he came on in place of Daryl Horgan a little after the one-hour mark.
In the end, the Manchester City academy product Byrne was given around 15 minutes playing time when he came on for an injured Robbie Brady. The Shamrock Rovers midfielder could not make any tangible difference, however, as Ireland recorded another 0-0 draw.
Generally happy with Kenny but tonight has been bad. Leaving Byrne and Parrott on the bench when Bulgaria have offered nothing is just bad coaching. Flat out bad.
— Cian (@Cianaf) November 18, 2020
After the recent run of unsuccessful UEFA Nations League games, Ireland's next game is scheduled for early 2021 when qualifying for the 2021 World Cup will commence.
Eight games after first taking charge, Kenny is still looking for a first win.
Keep an eye on OTBSPorts.com for all the post-match reaction and tune in to OTB AM on Wednesday morning where there will be more on the latest in a line of disappointing results
