UEFA U21: In-form Alan Browne ready for Ireland match against Lithuania

Just days on from getting the better of QPR’s Sandro and Leroy Fer, Alan Browne is in tip-top condition to aid Ireland’s cause in the UEFA U21 Championships Qualifying Round, Group 2 in Lithuania today (4.30pm).

Three points against the group’s bottom nation in V ilnius would ensure Noel King’s side remain top of their Euro qualification pool heading into 2016.

Cork native Browne will again harness the Irish engine-room alongside rising stars Jack Byrne and Josh Cullen. And the Preston midfielder comes into the qualifier having flourished in the scoreless draw at QPR on his fifth start in a row.

“It’s great to test yourself against such top-class players in the Championship and I’m in good form,” said the former Cork City midfielder. “QPR had Charlie Austin up front but we more than matched them and deserved our point.”

Browne’s return to the Preston side has coincided with an unbeaten run of games which has lifted the newly-promoted Lilywhites well clear of the drop zone.

“I think my style suits the Championship better than it did League One last season,” explained the 20-year-old.

“You get more time on the ball, which is good for a player like myself who likes to get it down and pass it. You can time to catch your breath whereas League One was much more physical.

“We’ve started to pick up some good points recently and, although the quality is higher than last season, I think we can do well in the Championship this season.” Having strolled past Lithuania 3-0 last month, Ireland are expected to record their fourth win in five matches.

Only a late Italy winner in Vicenza prevented King’s cubs from keeping their undefeated record intact but Browne is confident their odyssey towards the 2017 finals in the Netherlands can be navigated back on course today.

“We were unlucky not to take at least a draw off Italy so today’s qualifier is a chance to get back on track with three points,” he said.

“There are no straightforward wins in this campaign though and the wet conditions won’t be easy. Still, I think we have enough in the team to get the result and bounce back from the Italy set-back.” Former Rebel Browne keeps a close eye on City’s fortunes and was an interested onlooker as they lost Sunday’s FAI Cup final to Dundalk. .

“Dundalk’s fitness in extra time made the difference in the end, which was a shame,” admitted the player who left City last year after progressing from their U-19 squad.

King has a full squad after reporting no withdrawals.”