CARLTON coach Brendon Bolton says he will be watching Ciaran Byrne for "little signs" across the remaining five weeks of the home-and-away season.
Speaking to media at Melbourne Airport ahead of the Blues' clash against Gold Coast on Saturday night, Bolton said Byrne's return to AFL from injury would be an important opportunity for the half-back flanker to complete the season at the highest level.
"He (Ciaran Byrne) is a terrific rebounder. He's got real power. If we can get it to him in time and space he can run and carry, so we're hoping to see some little signs there," Bolton said.
"He's been out for quite a while. It will be good for him to finish off the back of the year in the AFL."
The Irishman made a gradual return to football through the VFL over the last three weeks. In the Northern Blues’ win over Werribee on Sunday, he amassed 12 disposals, three tackles and seven handball receives. The week prior he totalled 17 disposals and four tackles in limited match-time.
Northern Blues coach Josh Fraser said Byrne had gained consistency in his game.
“He’s built his game-loads and form really well over the last month. The defensive side of his game has been sound. He showed his ability to break the lines and give us some run at different stages. His progression has been pleasing,” Fraser said.
The 23-year-old, who last appeared at senior level in the Blues’ Round 2 loss against Gold Coast, will make his return from a quad injury against the same side tomorrow night.
Coach Brendon Bolton said the in-form Suns, who defeated Sydney by 24 points at the SCG last week, presented a welcome challenge for the Blues.
"It was a terrific performance to beat Sydney. Their contested game is really strong, so we've got to be up and about in that part of the game," he said.
"We know it's huge challenge and it's on their home deck so we're looking forward to it."
The Blues take on the Suns at Metricon Stadium from 7.25pm on Saturday. Follow all the action live on Twitter.
