Byrne looks to the future

It is taking place at Sheffield United’s training ground, and Byrne is joined on it by seasoned pros such as Brian Deane, Dean Walling, Kit Symons and Nick Daws.

The 23-year-old full-back is at what is seen as a relatively young age to be taking his first few steps on the coaching ladder, but the former Eire Under-21 international sees it as a vital first step.

"I am reasonably young and although I did my Level Two a few years ago and this is my first experience since then of full-on coaching.," Byrne told the PFA’s website.

"I do bits and pieces at Scunthorpe with the School of Excellence but this is a different ball game altogether.

"It is nice to get the experience for yourself and listen to the views and knowledge of the coaches who are here.

"I want to get involved in coaching even though it might be 12 years down the line.

"I am well aware that there is life after football and you need to get things behind you so this is one of the things I would like to do. It has been enjoyable at times.

Byrne, who played a pivotal role towards the end of the season in the Iron’s promotion push, also feels that the coaching course could improve his on-pitch performance.

He added: "Obviously a lot of the scenarios are very false because you want to create a situation that enables you to coach it.

"However, unbeknown to yourself you will be taking in bits and pieces regards positional sense and body shape and it does help your game."