Cliff Byrne: Oldham defender released after Ross County trial

Ross County trialist Cliff Byrne has left Oldham after a mutual agreement was reached to cancel his contract.

The 31-year-old joined the Latics in 2012 from Scunthorpe and went on to make 41 appearances for the side.

He spent three months on loan at the Iron earlier this season, after which County had been in talks with Oldham.

Manager Lee Johnson told Oldham's website: "Cliff has been exemplary during his time here as a player and he helped me by doing an excellent job."

County have already added Evangelos Oikonomou, who returned to the club after a spell back in Greece with Veria, to their defensive options during January.

But, after Saturday's 3-3 draw with Partick Thistle, manager Derek Adams said he would be looking to strengthen further.

"We are still speaking to Oldham and Cliff, so we are no further forward on that one," said Adams before Oldham announced they had freed the player.

Irishman Byrne, who began his career with Sunderland, made 11 appearances for League Two outfit Scunthorpe after being farmed out by League One Oldham in August.