Gold Coast United snap up Byrnes on short-term deal

Byrnes, a former Melbourne Victory man, has penned an initial four-week contract after arriving on the Gold Coast last Monday evening.
The 27-year-old defender was a stand-out performer with TeleChoice Premier League outfit Sydney Tigers last term and was recommended as a ready-to-use injury replacement player by Bleiberg?s Assistant Coach, Paul Okon, who was interim coach at APIA before starting his Gold Coast United tenure.
When he kitted up for his first United training run, Byrnes renewed old dressing room acquaintances, not only with Piorkowski, but also with Jess Vanstrattan and Jason Culina who were international team-mates at under 17 and under 20 level.
?I feel really sorry for Daniel but these things happen in football and he knows that,? Byrnes said.
?It?s opened a bit of a door for me so now I have to make the most of it and do well while I?m up here. We?ll have to see what happens after that.
?But it?s a great opportunity for me to get back into the top flight and I?m delighted to be here. I?ve been away from the Hyundai A-League for a year and a half so it will be nice to be back at this level again.
?They?re a good bunch of boys here and a really good mix. It?s an added bonus that the team is doing well so I know I?m coming to a team that is playing good football.?
-Gold Coast United FC Press Release