INTERVIEW: Great to get off the mark

“It felt great to see the fans celebrating behind the goal and it was obviously a good feeling to get my first goal and get off the mark,” he said. “The pass from Lee Miller was inch perfect and I couldn’t really miss. It was just fantastic to see it hit the back of the net.”

With contributions limited to coming off the bench in recent weeks, Tuesday’s goal will now no doubt give manager Graham Kavanagh a selection headache for Saturday’s home game against fifth placed Rotherham.

“I’m hoping for a few starts but I don’t really know what the manager is thinking,” Byrne told us. “I’ll keep working hard and hopefully I’ll get a few under my belt.  Hopefully get a few starts.

 “I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I think I’ve settled in quite easily. Everybody here is nice and it’s a good place to work.”

Making the step up from reserve football to a first team environment offers new challenges to a player, with the battle for league position and points the main focus.

“Everybody is playing for points so it’s a bit different from U-21 games,” he agreed. “There are also older players involved and that adds to it as well. I’m hoping to get as much experience I can while I’m here. Hopefully I’ll score a few more goals and I’ll be helping Carlisle at the same time.”

The reserve and development coaches at Manchester United will, of course, be following Sam’s progress with great interest and the young Irishman says he has been in regular contact with boss Warren Joyce throughout his stay at Brunton Park. 

“I’ve spoken to him a few times and he’s happy with how I’m doing,” he said. “There have been others who have come here and everyone only has good things to say about the club.  Graham Kavanagh said some good things about me after the game on Tuesday as well, and that’s always great to hear. 

“All you can do is take in as much in as you can and keep going and doing your best.”