Alan Browne tips Preston to challenge for promotion

Cork native Alan Browne believes his Preston North End side are capable of figuring in the Championship promotion race after penning a new three-year contract with the club yesterday.

The latest deal – which ties Browne to North End until 2018 – is his third contract since moving cross-channel from Cork City 18 months ago.

Despite being frozen out by manager Simon Grayson for four months, the Ireland U21 midfielder was restored to the side for Preston’s two most important games of the season in May – the League One play-off semi-final and final.

The 20-year-old admitted the experience of playing in front of a packed Wembley Stadium – where they hammered Swindon 4-0 to clinch promotion – was one of the best of his blossoming career.

Even bigger challenges await from August. Now that Grayson has shown his faith in Browne with a lucrative long-term deal, the Leesider feels he can play an integral role in their first Championship season since 2010.

“The gaffer has managed to hold onto the squad that got us promoted and I’m sure there will be a few new faces coming in too,” said the Leesider.

“I’m really looking forward to stepping up to the Championship. I had a year left on my contract but am delighted to sign this new deal. As a club, with the stadium, fanbase and squad, we should fit right into the Championship.

“There might not be many people that think we can challenge this season but I firmly believe we can. “It was great to play in the last couple of matches. Even when I was out of the side for so long, I kept my fitness up so as to be ready when the manager needed me.

Key to Preston’s promotion drive was the 26 goals delivered by Joe Garner, a player recently linked with declaring for Ireland. Martin O’Neill was coy when questioned on the League One top scorer’s Irish lineage and it can be explained by an insight provided from his clubmate, Browne.

“Joe didn’t know anything about being linked with Ireland and I don’t think he’s even eligible,” he explained.

“That’s unfortunate because Joe is a real handful and would have been an asset to Ireland.” It means Browne will be the only Irishman at Deepdale vying for a senior call-up during their Championship mission ahead.