While Graham Potter has tended to avoid making wholesale changes even to a struggling West Ham United XI this season, replacing Mads Hermansen with Alphonse Areola for the visit of Crystal Palace was a big call.

Areola stepped in for Hermansen ahead of that 2-1 defeat by Oliver Glasner’s side.

And while this did not have the transformative effect Potter would have been hoping for – Jean-Philippe Mateta became the seventh player to score against West Ham United from a set-piece this season with Areola powerless to prevent that calamitous opener – clearly the manager’s confidence has been shaken already in his £18 million summer signing.

Ironically, at Under-21 level, the goalkeepers at Mark Robson’s disposal have tended to go from strength to strength over the last 12 months.

Finn Herrick started the season in ‘excellent’ form before moving to Boreham Wood on loan. Mason Terry is spending some time at Braintree, having kept no fewer than 17 clean sheets during a spell at Hornchurch. Finlay Hooper signed professional terms with the Hammers just last week. The 17-year-old making the step up from the Under-18s to the Under-21s.

Now, Republic of Ireland youth international Reece Byrne arrives from Newcastle in order to help fill a void created by the temporary departures of both Herrick and Terry.

West Ham United sign former Newcastle talent Reece Byne

Billy Lepine, West Ham’s Head of Academy Goalkeeping, welcomed Byrne to club on a deal running until the end of the 2025/26 season.

While Robson has raved about Herrick’s development with his feet in recent times, Byrne is another who prides himself upon his ball-playing talents. A typically modern sort of goalkeeper, the official West Ham website describes the 20-year-old giant as a shot-stopper with ‘a great reach and excellent distribution skills’.

“We’re really impressed with his character,” Lepine says of Byrne, who arrives in East London having been restricted to only a pair of Premier League 2 appearances during an injury-hit stint on Tyneside.

“He’s got plenty of experience from the Irish national team and his spells at Bohemians and Newcastle. He’s had to show resilience after his injuries, but he’s recovered well and we’re pleased to have him in the group.

“Having a player who’s dealt with adversity and can share that perspective with the younger lads is very positive.

“As a goalkeeper, he’s clean and decisive with his feet. He can break lines with passes into midfield, he’s got a good range, and as a big lad he’s got excellent reach and the ability to make top saves.”

Republic of Ireland starlet Bryne delighted with ‘wonderful’ West Ham move

Byrne joins West Ham after impressing during a trial period.

Fellow goalkeeper Tom Wooster is also looking to earn himself a contract after leaving Manchester United over the summer. The Sheffield-born trialist started in Herrick’s absence during last week’s 3-0 beating of Birmingham City.

Byrne, meanwhile, is determined to make his mark with the Hammers following that lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“It’s an absolutely wonderful feeling,” Bryne beams. “It’s hard to put into words. I’ve had a tough time with injuries over the last few years, so to be given a chance at such a massive club is something I’ll forever be grateful for. I can’t wait to get started and kick on, hopefully, please God.

“To be back at a club like West Ham, I’m lost for words. I’m quite emotional, because it means that extra bit more. I want it more than I did before. It’s almost like a second coming for me, because six months ago I didn’t know where I was going to be.

“It was a tough personal period, but to be given the trust and guidance from the club here, to feel wanted, is really special and makes me feel good about myself.

“It’s been a really smooth process. The staff and the lads helped me settle in and feel comfortable from day one, even when I was on trial. I’ve got nothing but high praise for the staff, and especially Bill [Lepine], who’s taken me under his wing and given me a platform to impress.”