St Kilda great Nick Dal Santo has revealed that Carlton speedster Ciaran Byrne has returned back to Ireland with the intention of potentially not coming back to Australia.
Bryne – who comes from a Gaelic football background - is a raw talent who was recruited via the 2014 Rookie Draft from County Louth.
Dal Santo says the Blues are concerned regarding his rumoured departure.
“He’s gone back to Ireland and may not be coming back to Australia and that really worries the Blues hierarchy,” Dal Santo told SEN Afternoons.
SEN Afternoons host and avid Carlton fan, Andy Maher, believes the 23-year-old has the potential to be one of the best Irish imports in AFL history.
“I think he’s exceptionally gifted, he’s never had a run at it,” Maher said.
“In terms of players coming over from Ireland – he could be elite – the best two or three Irish players who have ever played the game.
“Jim Stynes and Tadgh Kennelly – I could see his name being in that company if he was allowed to get a run at it.
“I’m devastated if that’s true. That flattens me no end if that’s true, because he is good enough to be part of the next good Carlton team.”
Byrne has played 22 games for the Blues since making his debut back in Round 3, 2015.
Listen to Nick Dal Santo’s chat on SEN Afternoons with Andy Maher in the player below