How the Irish fared: Dazzling Daryl Horgan gives O’Neill timely reminder

As is the case in life, timing is everything in sport. And with Martin O’Neill set to name his squad today for the crucial World Cup qualifier with Wales on Friday week, Daryl Horgan could scarcely have picked a better time to produce a virtuoso display.

The former Dundalk star made the first goal and scored the second — at the second attempt — as Preston kept Championship play-off hopes alive by beating Reading 3-0 on Saturday.

The 24-year-old has settled in brilliantly since joining Preston, scoring twice and providing three assists in 11 matches since his January arrival.