Browne’s called up to squad

PRESTON midfielder Alan Browne was last night added to the Republic of Ireland squad. The uncapped Corkman, 22, was invited to train with Martin O’neill’s group 14 months ago but was forced to withdraw with injury. But Browne - capped 11 times for the Under-21s - is now in the mix for the upcoming friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay and the World Cup qualifier against Austria. He is a Deepdale team-mate of ex-dundalk pair Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle who were among the 37 players named in last week’s original provisional squad. Roy Keane has watched Browne a number of times and earlier this season the player revealed his determination to break into the senior squad. “I’ve enjoyed the Under-21s but hopefully I can push on now and aim for the first team,” said the former Cork City youth. “It’s a long-term goal of mine to break into the Ireland squad. Playing every week for Preston is my main ambition and I think that’s what Roy and Martin will be looking for. “They’ll want someone to be playing week in, week out and to be playing at a high standard such as the Championship is good for me at such a young age. “Hopefully, in time, I’ll get a chance and, if so, I’ll have to take it.” O’neill will put a group of 15 or 16 players - primarily from Championship clubs through their paces at a three-day boot camp in Fota Island starting today. The squad proper will gather at their Dublin base on Sunday evening ahead of Monday’s flight to America for the New Jersey friendly with Mexico on June 1.