Jack Byrne isn't ruling out extending his Shamrock Rovers career beyond this season.
The midfielder has impressed in the League of Ireland this season, earning himself an Ireland call.
He will potentially win his first cap in the friendly match against Bulgaria on Tuesday night.
Byrne said he "doesn't feel out of place" in the squad. But he also admitted he was disappointed to be left out of the match-day squad for the Switzerland game. However, he also considered the bigger picture.
"I was disappointed but I'm obviously a fan first and foremost. I'm a fan of the Irish team so it was an unbelievable honour for me to be involved in such a big game," he said.
"To be in the dressing room before and training all week, and in the dressing room after, seeing how happy everybody was, it gave me a good incentive to try and do well."
As Byrne establishes himself as an international, his club future will come under scrutiny. But he insists a return to English football is not the be all and end all.
Best place
"I've played in the top division in Holland and that's what got me invited to train with the senior team in the first place," he said.
"So I don't see it as England or nothing. I see it as the best place for me to play my football if the opportunity comes up.
"It doesn't necessarily mean that that's going to be in England. I'm just seeing where it takes me. I understand the lads here are playing at a much higher level than I am.
"But they don't make me feel that way when I'm in here. I'm part of the squad and obviously, without Shamrock Rovers, I wouldn't be here. Do I have to move to stay in the squad? I don't know. You'd have to ask the manager. But without Shamrock Rovers, I don't think I would be in the squad."
He replied, "I don't see why not", when asked if he sees himself at Rovers next season.
"I don't see it as a negative if I am. If somebody came in and they spoke to Rovers and they wanted me to go, it'd have to be right for me," said Byrne.
You can watch the full Jack Byrne press conference above via YouTube.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
