Alan Browne produced a stunning performance as Preston defeated Blackburn 4-1 in the Championship this afternoon, with Callum Robinson also getting on the scoresheet.
Browne was a nightmare for Preston's Lancashire neighbours for the whole 90 minutes, coming up with a goal and two assists in a masterful attacking midfield display. It was a vital win for the team, who are starting to slowly move up the table after a disastrous start to the campaign.
Browne was on it right from the first whistle, producing a fantastic cross to set up Tom Barkhuizen for the opener after only two minutes.
He also played a vital part in setting up Callum Robinson just a few minutes later. Browne produced a perfectly-weighted through ball for his international teammate, with the striker finishing smartly beyond the opposition goalkeeper.
It was Robinson's tenth goal of what has been an incredibly productive campaign thus far, and he is without a doubt Ireland's most threatening forward at the moment.
The rest of Preston's Ireland contingent did not feature today, with Sean Maguire was ruled out of the game after picking up an injury on international duty last week. Graham Burke remained on the bench for the entirety of the game.
Robinson was withdrawn in the closing stages with his side looking to hang on to a 2-1 lead, which was soon extended to 3-1.
Browne got the goal that his performance deserved five minutes from full-time, when he finished smartly from a Lewis Moult cross.
This performance from Browne is a very encouraging one, with Ireland lacking any sort of creativity in the middle third at the moment. If the Preston man can transfer this form to the international stage, he will be a real asset to the the next Republic of Ireland manager.
