Carlton rookie Ciaran Byrne says he’s put the frustrations of 2015 behind him and is “loving every single minute” of pre-season.

The Irishman made an eye-catching debut against Essendon in Round 3 last season, before hamstring injuries limited him to just two VFL appearances since.

But the 21-year-old has worked hard to return to full fitness, featuring in the Blues’ two NAB Challenge games against Hawthorn and Essendon.

“For me personally, it’s been a pretty good pre-season. It’s been uninterrupted and I’ve had no injuries,” Bryne told Ballarat radio station 3BA during the Blues’ community camp. 

“I spent a lot of last year in rehab, and it was a tough place to be … I definitely learned a lot of positive things which I’ve carried on into 2016.” 

Recruited from County Louth in Ireland, the former Gaelic footballer earned his debut just 18 months after learning how to play Australian Rules football.

Hard work and dedication saw Byrne awarded a two-year contract extension at the end of 2015, while a little help from his fellow Irishmen has quickened his progression.

“To be given an opportunity to come down here at such a young age was something I couldn’t turn down,” he said.

“To travel to the other side of the world was always going to be a daunting experience, but Zach’s (Tuohy) been a role model for me ever since I came here. He’s really looked after me. To have him and another Irishman in Ciaran Sheehan has made things a lot easier. 

“The Club has shown faith in me, and hopefully I can repay that faith and have a good 2016 season.”