Alan Browne has been quietly having a phenomenal season for Preston in the championship, providing goals, assists and no shortage of creativity from midfield. He is quickly playing his way into the Ireland starting team, and looks like the type of player we have been calling out for for the past number of years.
He is one of the top midfielders in the Championship at the moment, and a move up the English football pyramid may not be too far away.
He notched his 11th goal of the season in the win over Bolton today, brilliantly finishing off a clever move for the visitors. Browne shows great awareness in the build up to the goal here, and takes his chance incredibly well.
Browne was joined in the Preston team by compatriot Sean Maguire, who made his own telling contribution to the game. With Bolton having equalised earlier in the game, the away side pushed for a winner late on. They would find one in the 82nd minute when Maguire provided a stunning pass for Barkhuizen, who finished smartly.
After a long injury layoff, Maguire has been playing his way back towards fitness in the past few weeks. He is currently going from strength to strength, and seems to improve with every game. Operating predominantly in a wide role, he has become a key player for Preston.
Preston currently sit in 14th place in the Championship table, 10 points off the play-off places. While stranger things have happened, one would have to assume that promotion will be well beyond their reach. They have put together an excellent run of form as of late, however, and will be hoping to finish the season strongly.
Browne and Maguire both no doubt have one eye on Ireland's upcoming Euro 2020 Qualifiers against Gibraltar and Georgia, two games where they should be offered the opportunity to impress new boss Mick McCarthy.
