Noel King: Alan Browne will get another senior shot

Ireland U21 boss Noel King is adamant Alan Browne will continue to be monitored by Martin O’Neill despite injury robbing the Cork native of the chance of impressing with the senior squad this week.

A hip injury which has kept Browne out of Preston North End’s last three Championship games hasn’t sufficiently cleared in time for the Leesider to accept O’Neill’s invitation of training with his panel in the build-up to the friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia over the next week.

The problem means the 20-year-old also misses the U21 qualification meetings with Italy in Waterford on Thursday and the away trip to Slovenia next Monday.

Speaking about Jack Byrne’s elevation by O’Neill, King was eager to keep Browne’s credentials also at the forefront of the narrative surrounding potential senior debutants.

“It’s a pity Alan is still injured because it would have been a great opportunity for him with the seniors after playing so many Championship games this season,” he noted about the newly-crowned U21 FAI Player of the Year.

“The recognition between the U21s and the senior team is still there and continues to grow. Martin will be in Waterford for our match.”

Also absent through injury are other mainstays Josh Cullen and Tommie Hoban.

At the midway stage of the campaign, Ireland are in fourth position, four points off leaders Italy with five games remaining.