Nicky News!

Nicky  "I’ll get Irish team all the way to World Cup final"

NICKY Byrne has told how he hopes his new TV show will turn the Ireland football team into a world-beating side.

The ex-Westlife singer, 33, hosts a new show called Football’s Next Star, which sees him scour the country in search of fresh talent.

And he reckons some of the youngsters he’s found are capable of turning Ireland’s footballing fortunes around — but only if gaffer Giovanni Trapattoni moves on first.

He said: “It’s everybody’s dream to see Ireland in a World Cup final, isn’t it?

Interview ... TV Now

“The whole country would shut down for a week like in 1990 and we were only in the last eight then. I’m not sure even if Football’s Next Star can guarantee something like that but our winner is definitely good enough to go all the way to Ireland’s first team if he keeps his head and has a bit of luck.

“Although, I think Trapattoni may need to move on pretty soon so we can see more of these young lads blooded through.”

Nicky — who is focusing on a career in TV since Westlife’s split — is also starring in Strictly Come Dancing.

And he revealed how he’d love to do his own bit for Ireland by winning the competition.

He told TV Now: “It is an absolute joy to be a part of. It’s one of the biggest shows on TV. I’m loving it! Hopefully I can do Ireland proud and bring that Glitter Ball back across the water.”

FOR the full interview see this week’s TV Now, out today.