This time last year Dessie Byrne was no different to perhaps hundreds of other 16-year-olds playing in schoolboy football for well-known clubs in Ireland. He had been here and there on trial to English clubs, but dreams of a professional career were just that - dreams.

Then Brian Kerr picked him for his squad that travelled to Scotland for the UEFA Under-16 Championship which, of course, Ireland won.

And though he was but a bit player in Scotland, making three substitute appearances before it was discovered he had a broken bone in a foot, it pushed open the doors of opportunity and resulted in Byrne completing a move to English second division side Stockport County.

He went straight into the reserves at Stockport and surprised many, including himself, when manager Gary Megson gave him his first team debut against Bradford City a fortnight ago.

"I was very surprised myself that I played the full 90 minutes against Bradford," said Byrne. "Mr Megson told me to keep my head down and work hard and a regular place in the team would come."

Byrne, a left-sided player more accustomed to playing at left back or centre half, was a surprise selection at right back in Ireland's opening win over hosts South Africa on Thursday. A busy, strong-running performance made him a candidate for man of the match.

"Dessie had a great tournament in Israel and has been playing very well at Stockport," said manager Brian Kerr. "I felt I had to get him into the team. His attraction for me is that he's quick on his feet, moves well and is a good header of the ball for a lad who's not big."