BLACKBURN Rovers manager Owen Coyle says he’s not worried about Jack Byrne even though the on-loan Manchester City youngster has failed to make the breakthrough expected at Ewood Park.

Byrne arrived on a season-long deal in June with an excellent reputation and a host of big-name admirers.

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The 20-year-old was compared to Manchester United legend Roy Keane by the then City Elite Development Squad coach Patrick Vieira and was invited to train with the Republic of Ireland senior squad before they headed off to the Euro 2016 tournament in France.

But despite making three starts in Rovers’ first four Championship games, his last appearance in the blue and white shirt came in the EFL Cup defeat at Leeds on September 20.

He was included in Coyle’s match day squad for the recent games against Aston Villa and Bristol City, but remained on the bench.

The situation has sparked rumours about the youngster, who captained his country’s Under-21s side earlier this week, returning to the Etihad Campus.

But while Coyle accepts that he may have a chat with Blues officials come the new year, he’s confident Byrne is ready to take his chance with Rovers if and when it comes.

When asked about the young Manchester City starlet – who spent last season on loan with SC Cambuur in the Dutch Eredivisie – the Blackburn boss said: “It doesn’t give us an issue because Jack Byrne is a very talented player.

“As much as he’s not been on the field, he’s been in the 18 for many of those games and when that chance comes about again Jack’s got to grab it.

“To his credit, he’s recognised that Corry Evans and Danny Guthrie have played very well.

“If you’re playing with two central midfielders then obviously only two can start, and I’d imagine that Hope Akpan and one or two others feel the same.

“But there’s no doubt he’s a very talented young player, as is Martin Samuelsen.

“When all said and done, you can only have 11 on the field.

“But we think we have some good young players, some players who will continue to learn.

“When January comes about then you look at that on the merits for everybody because their parent club may feel they need more game time.

“That’s a conversation that will take place in January but for the moment everybody is knuckling down, getting on with it and will be ready when that chances presents itself.”

Byrne will be hoping that chance comes when Rovers return to league action at home to Brentford on Saturday, when his fellow countryman Anthony Stokes is also pressing for a starting spot.

Stokes told the Lancashire Telegraph earlier this week that’s he’s raring to go after over a month out through injury, and Coyle welcomes the options the experienced striker gives him.

“Stokes is a very intelligent footballer,” said the manager. “He can play in a wide area as well if you’re playing a front three because he likes coming in on those angles and taking people on.

“He’s also a proven natural goalscorer and he’s decent in the air when the crosses are coming in.

“Is he as quick as Sam Gallagher? No. But he has a different skills set.

“Marvin Emnes and Danny Graham also have different skills.

“But what we know is that when you have them all available they can certainly add to the team, and that’s important.”