Byrne eyes AFC Cup success with Sharks

Welshman Michael Byrne is looking forward to getting his first taste of action in the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup after watching his new team Chonburi FC ease to a 4-0 win over Indonesia's PSMS Medan on Tuesday.

NEW MEMBER: Wales’ Michael Byrne is presented to the press by Chonburi coach Kiatisak Senamuang.

The former Wales youth international is relishing the prospect of turning out for the Sharks in the last eight of the AFC Cup after being signed from Nakhom Pathom.

"The match with PSMS was of a good standard and I am looking forward to playing in the AFC Cup," said Byrne.

"I was disappointed not to be playing against PSMS but hopefully I'll play in the next game."

Byrne began his career as a youth player with Bolton Wanderers before moving on to Stockport and then Northwich Victoria where he scored 10 times in 81 matches prior to his move to Thailand.

The Welshman caught the eye of Chonburi coach Kiatisak Senamuang after an impressive first leg of the Thai Premier League season this year that saw him net five goal in 15 games for Nakhon Pathom.

Byrne was signed from Nakhon Pathom recently to fill the departure of Thailand midfiedler Surat Sukha to Melbourne Victory of Australia.

"I am very impressed at how professional everything is at Chonburi. The coach has a lot of ideas and I look forward to playing under him," said Byrne.

He revealed that it was his ambition to broaden his football experience overseas.

After gradually coming to terms with the oppressive heat in Thailand the 24-year-old said he is settling in well to life in the country both on and off the pitch.

"I always wanted to play away from England and I was really looking forward to the challenge of playing in Thailand," he said.

"I am used to the heat now and I want to be playing all the time. The standard (of Thai players) is technically good but it is a different style from what I am used to."

"I like it here very much and I have adapted quite well, I think. I have many friends here now and I am very happy."

"I really enjoyed my time at Nakhon Pathom and they are like my family now."

"But my main focus now is earning a place and doing well for Chonburi."