Alan Byrne off to flying start at Portadown

The Dublin-based defender grabbed a weekend goal against Carrick Rangers to cap an assured first display in Ports colours.

However, the second-half header in Portadown’s 4-0 home win provided Byrne with a second goal in as many visits to the town.

Byrne enjoyed a spot on the scoresheet for Drogheda United back in 2013 during a Setanta Sports Cup tie against Portadown.

Although he enjoyed a post-match laugh at the fact both goals arrived in the same net more than three years apart, Byrne admits his focus is on building a bright future with the Ports rather than past positives.

“It is a bit strange in a way to have played at Shamrock Park and scored both times but a few years apart,” said Byrne. “That aside, I’m just buzzing with the win for the team and it was great to get off the mark with a 4-0 win.

“I had been watching the midweek cup game and was really impressed with how we played but I knew the high stakes for this Carrick match given the 12-point deduction.

“We want to wipe that out as quickly as possible and move up the table, with that Carrick performance a great starting point.”

Byrne worked with Ports boss Pat McGibbon during a previous spell at Monaghan United and was full of praise for the former Northern Ireland international.

“Pat is a very good man-manager and I also spoke to Ken Oman,” said Byrne. “Portadown is still considered a big club and I just want to do what I can for the team.”