Browne ready for international stage
A FREE weekend allowed me the rare opportunity to go back to Deepdale and see Preston’s Irish lads in action, with the friendly in Turkey in mind, and also have a good look at the Championship’s runaway leaders Wolves.
A name I have mentioned a few times is Preston’s Alan Browne, who looks ready for the opportunity to become a regular Ireland international.
He has been a near-everpresent for Alex Neil’s side and playing well in a team on the fringes of the playoffs, despite the limited finances compared to the rest of the division’s top 10.
Of the other Preston lads, Greg Cunningham was suspended last week, but the left-back has returned from a lengthy lay-off and looks set for a run in the side. Daryl Horgan has been on the bench for most of the season but got a runout and Sean Maguire is due back from injury this week. They could all make the Turkey squad if they have a good month.
Wolves look like a good side. With the calibre of the players they have brought in, it is testament to Matt Doherty that he has held his right wing-back spot.
Although Seamus Coleman will be coming back in, Doherty must be in the reckoning for manager Martin O’Neill, who knows he can also play left-back.