EX-LATICS star Jack Byrne is looking to continue his career renaissance after linking up with his former international boss Mick McCarthy in Cyprus.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder has signed for APOEL Nicosia having starred for Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland.

He returned to his homeland in 2018 having had a brief stint with Kilmarnock in Scotland after his controversial Oldham exit.

The 24-year-old, who scored eight goals in 44 appearances during his time at Boundary Park, was originally suspended by Latics after relegation to League Two and forced to train with the youth team before seeing his contract ultimately terminated.

Byrne has starred with Rovers, who recently signed another ex-Latic in Chris McCann, winning countless awards and helping them to the FAI Cup and Premier Division title.

On leaving the club, he posted on social media: "In truth they've changed my life.

"They made me fitter, stronger and a much better footballer.

"They believed in me and helped me feel that I could not just be good but that I could compete with any player at any level.

"They made me relevant to the Irish international squad and helped me fulfil my dream of pulling on the green jersey, a dream that was dead before I met them."

His departure from Latics in 2018 provoked anger among supporters.

Speaking shortly after, Byrne, who now has four international caps in all, said: “I think most people know what went on.

"Oldham got relegated, I was probably one of the higher earners and they needed me to go.

“I needed to go as well to further my career. That was all it was.

"There wasn’t anything else to it. It is what it is – that’s football.”

Byrne started his career at Manchester City and joined Latics after a spell with Wigan Athletic.