Alan Browne M Sunderland b.1995

[Charlie Darwin]

18-year-old former Cork City midfielder Alan Browne is making his first start for Preston North End today and scored his first goal for the club within 20 minutes.

[Fergie's Son]

Well done Alan. What sort of player is he?

[Charlie Darwin]

Ball-playing midfielder by all accounts. I never saw him play for Cork but he looks fairly slight.

[tricky_colour]

Must be pretty decent getting a start at 18, Preston are also guaranteed a play off place.

[Charlie Darwin]

Simon Grayson: “Alan Browne came in and looked like he has played 100 games today, so there were many pleasing performances, but today it was all about the team.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for him to come into the starting line-up after his brief chances as a sub and he showed huge calmness when he was on the ball and energy to get around it and he has an eye for goal.

“We are very pleased with how he has developed; he has given me something to think about, as has Josh Brownhill. We thought he was ready for his first team chance and he has taken it and I am really pleased with what the young players have done – there is a bright future for them.”[/quote]

http://www.pnefc.net/news/article/simon-grayson-all-about-the-team-120414-1484391.aspx#pO7gW5CzWGDzBPcl.99

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11697/9368020/browne-extends-preston-stay

New contract for Browne.

[Charlie Darwin]

First goal of the season tonight to put Preston in front at home to Chesterfield. Eoin Doyle replied for Chesterfield but it's 3-1 Preston now.

[Charlie Darwin]

Scored again to put Preston 2-1 up at home to Colchester. He seems really comfortable at that level now.

[samhaydenjr]

So has anybody actually seen Browne play enough to judge how good of a prospect he is? Because on paper his career path so far seems really promising - moving to England at the age of eighteen and immediately nailing down a first-team spot in one of the bigger League One sides with definite Championship aspirations - not being made to play underage or sent out on one-month emergency loans to small League Two/Non-League outfits or even spending a lot of time on the bench - and then scoring a couple of goals in the early part of his first full season. Could he potentially be playing for the National side in this or the next qualifying campaign?

[Charlie Darwin]

I've only seen on TV for Preston, but I've seen him play live for Ireland U19s against full Serbian and Turkish internationals and he looked on the same level of class. He has all the attributes to be playing at the top level with proper development, in my opinion. Technically very good, great control, calmness and a range of short and long passing. The challenge is whether he can keep that development up.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

His Preston teammate and Gibraltar International Scott Wiseman has said that Alan Browne is one of the best young players he's ever played with, has blown away teammates with his attitude and is destined for senior honors.

[Predator]

I saw Browne playing for Ireland at U19 level and his physicality really set him apart. Great engine.

[samhaydenjr]

Scored again today - that's three goals in his last six games from midfield - really starting to look like the most promising of our League One crop right now.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/other-soccer/derby-and-celtic-join-race-for-prolific-eoin-doyle-30872553.html

Swansea interested in a move for Browne.

[tetsujin1979]

Swansea signed England U20 midfielder Matt Grimes today - http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30632655 - so that might put a spanner in the works for any move for Browne

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/other-soccer/irish-journeymen-looking-to-fa-cup-for-some-cheer-30878889.html

Hull are credited with an interest in Browne as well. God willing, Hull & Ipswich will both be in the Premier League next season. Bruce & McCarthy will single-handedly keep Irish players in gainful employment in the Premier League.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/transfer-window/indemand-browne-also-on-the-radar-of-middlesbrough-30906390.html

Middlesbrough pondering summer move for Browne.

[tricky_colour]

Lets hope he is with a Premiership team next season, mind you I guess it would be
better to be playing in the championship than just a squad player in the Premiership.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

He's found himself on the bench more often than not recently; this afternoon, he doesn't even make the matchday squad.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Seems to have lost his way at present. He hasn't been making match day squads and came in for a bit of constructive criticism on the Preston boards.

Still only young.

[tetsujin1979]

Off the bench today for Preston, might be in the squad for the play off final

[irishfootball]

rumours circling the area tonight that he could be starting tomorrow , great Irish talent who deserves to be starting in that Preston team

[samhaydenjr]

Came on after 37 minutes as Preston hammered Swindon 4-0. So Browne will join Derrick Williams and Samir Carruthers (along with Darren Potter and Greg Cunningham) in the Championship next season - so three young players to watch next season, possibly with a view to inclusion in World Cup qualifying in 2016.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Browne & Carruthers had long spells out of the first team last season so WCQ 2016 may come too soon for them. Browne is also 20 years old so it will obviously take 5 or 6 years for us to integrate him at senior level.

I am greatly impressed by Derrick Williams though. I think he should be capped soon enough if he starts off well in the Championship.

[CraftyToePoke]

Browne is also 20 years old so it will obviously take 5 or 6 years for us to integrate him at senior level.

What is this based on ?

[gastric]

What is this based on ?
His lack of intelligence!

[samhaydenjr]

Browne & Carruthers had long spells out of the first team last season so WCQ 2016 may come too soon for them. Browne is also 20 years old so it will obviously take 5 or 6 years for us to integrate him at senior level.

I am greatly impressed by Derrick Williams though. I think he should be capped soon enough if he starts off well in the Championship.

Had a quick look at the Soccerbase stats for the three players - Carruthers played pretty consistently through the season, with 38 appearances in all competitions (although about a third of those were as substitute). Browne did have a gap between the end of January and the playoffs, but played consistently for the first 6 months of the season, racking up 32 appearances (and apparently Preston have quite a deep squad). So I think if either of them could be capable of a breakout season next year, particularly Browne given his semi-meteoric rise from the Cork City youth team to a regular in a big League One (and now Championship) team. If he continues this rate of progression he could definitely play himself into contention for a place on the National Team within the next year or two - a 5/6 year wait would indicate that his career has stalled/plateaued or that quite a number of players have played themselves into the team ahead of him (which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing). And if Carruthers establishes himself in the MK Dons midfield and has a good season, he may also be deserving of a squad place, at least.

However, I do agree that Derrick Williams is probably closer to the National Team than Browne or Carruthers - he did make a whopping 55 appearances in the best League One team last season but the primary reason why he should be watched closely is probably because of the fact that he is a left-sided defender (I referred to him as a specialist left-back elsewhere on foot.ie but was corrected), something we really need, whereas Browne and Carruthers play in midfield, an area where we have some reasonable depth already and where we may be adding extra talent over the next couple of years.

Just to expand on the World Cup crystal balling a little, I was thinking about what new players could realistically put themselves into the frame for the qualifiers in Autumn 2016, based on them continuing their current levels of progress successfully next season and I came up with about 20-25, which is very promising.

[Charlie Darwin]

What is this based on ?
Presumably players breaking into our side tending to be in the latter part of their 20s. It's a valid point I think - we tend not to have a lot of young players breaking through in recent times.

[tetsujin1979]

Also, there's at the very least McCarthy, Hendrick, Whelan, Gibson (when fit), and Arter ahead of him in the pecking order for a place in the squad.

[samhaydenjr]

Presumably players breaking into our side tending to be in the latter part of their 20s. It's a valid point I think - we tend not to have a lot of young players breaking through in recent times.

First cap ages of some of our upcoming squad:
Shay Given - 20
Ciaran Clark - 21
John O'Shea - 20
Paul McShane - 20
Seamus Coleman - 22
Alex Pearce - 23
Marc Wilson - 23
Cyrus Christie - 22
Aiden McGeady - 18
James McClean - 22
James McCarthy - 19
David Meyler - 23 (would probably have been earlier but for injuries)
Robbie Brady - 20
Jeff Hendrick - 21
Robbie Keane - 17
Kevin Doyle - 22
Shane Long - 20
Anthony Stokes - 18

Yes, there are a number of players who started playing for us a little later but those were players who took a bit of time to find their groove in their club careers. It is, of course, possible that Browne might yo-yo between the Championship and League One for a few seasons, like Alan Judge for example. However, given the impressive way he started his career in his teens, there's every reason to believe that he'll be able to step up to Championship level in his early 20s, which would put him in the frame for World Cup 2018 qualifiers



Also, there's at the very least McCarthy, Hendrick, Whelan, Gibson (when fit), and Arter ahead of him in the pecking order for a place in the squad.

Assuming Browne does well next year in the Championship:

McCarthy, sure; Hendrick - will be playing at the same level; Whelan - will be closing in on 33 when the qualifiers start; Gibson - "when fit" is the operative phrase; Arter - if he makes a successful step-up to Premier League football next season

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Sam, you make very good points and you would forget just how young some players were when they debuted (Long, McShane) and Pearce looks old beyond his years, but one thing I will say is that it took some of those players anywhere between a quarter dozen and half a dozen years between making their debut and becoming a regular starter.

Shane Long is 28 and he still hasn't strung two competitive starts together; less than half of his appearances for Ireland are starts. We were tentative about starting Coleman, McClean & McCarthy - although that's probably down to Trapattoni. Jeff Hendrick is, arguably, ready to take Whelan's place, but at 23 he looks no closer to doing it; he'll probably be 25 or 26 when he will. The like of Clark, Stokes & McShane have only appeared sporadically for Ireland.

Keane, O'Shea and Given all made impacts for Ireland at very young ages but that was over 15 years ago. It was a different landscape. I sincerely doubt we will ever produce players like that again and it is frightening. Some of the players we are hinging our hopes on are already 20, 21 and 22. It's young but there are players 3 or 4 years younger than that making a serious impact and even just 3 or 4 years is a world of difference in a player's development cycle.

[Stuttgart88]

I think it's fair to say MCCarthy was our most progressive manager in giving youth its chance. Duff, Given and Keane were no-brainers (certainly in hindsight) but he also capped the likes of Harte when they were relatively unheard of. I loved Mick's early years. Kerr was a mixed bag in that regard, probably more conservative than I'd have liked. Trap and MON were/are very conservative. That said, the players Tets mentioned, plus a few others, are probably better than Browne and Williams so it's not a crime to be not picking these guys.

[tetsujin1979]

I think it's fair to say MCCarthy was our most progressive manager in giving youth its chance. Duff, Given and Keane were no-brainers (certainly in hindsight) but he also capped the likes of Harte when they were relatively unheard of. I loved Mick's early years. Kerr was a mixed bag in that regard, probably more conservative than I'd have liked. Trap and MON were/are very conservative. Mick's hand was forced a little in the first few years of his reign with the number of senior players that retired, he pretty much had no choice but to play some promising young players and see if they worked out. Kerr awarded less new caps than anyone, I'll dig up the post I had on that later, Trapattoni awarded plenty of new caps early in his reign, but the squad and starting XI were pretty predictable in the last 2-3 years while he was in charge.
<EDIT>
New caps awarded under Kerr and Staunton: http://foot.ie/threads/124532-Trapattonti-s-lack-of-experimentation
The list of new caps awarded by Trapattoni was correct at that time I posted that, here's the full list of first caps he awarded: http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/Blog?id=6786220912947271583


That said, the players Tets mentioned, plus a few others, are probably better than Browne and Williams so it's not a crime to be not picking these guys.
You could add Stephen Quinn to that list of midfielders ahead of Browne as well. If we're talking League One midfielders, Conor Hourihane has more experience than Browne, and was Barnsley's player of the season in 2014/15
neither Browne nor Williams are proven at any level higher than League One, if they impress in the first half of the season, there's a chance they'll be linked with a call up, but as it is, they're very much on the periphery of the squad

[DeLorean]

Meyler would make that list also. I wouldn't really agree that Hendrick is "no closer" to taking Whelan's place, not that I see it as an individual battle anyway, they bring very different qualities. Of the three games Hendrick was actually available for, he started two and came on in the other. Granted his starts were probably down to team rotation and injuries but it's a clear indication that he's seen as an important player for us. I'd see no reason why all three of McCarthy, Whelan and Hendrick couldn't start anyway. For all Whelan's perceived limitations (by myself amongst many others), it's probably more difficult than ever to make a case against him starting, after featuring so prominently in Stoke's best ever PL season. The same would probably apply to Walters.

If certain young players are going to be fast-tracked, I think we should focus on areas where we are weak or will be potentially weak in a year or two, namely centre back and left back. For this reason I'd prefer to see the likes of Hoban called up, who is arguably already as good as some of our existing options and potentially much better. I think there'd be more value in that than calling up an eight or ninth choice central midfielder.

[Stuttgart88]

Are we overlooking Arter? I think he could play his way into contention for Scotland. Both he and Quinn could bring an energy and drive to our midfield.

I'm sure Whelan is nailed on to start. I have a feeling that Wes is too and I'm sure McCarthy will play despite only coming alive in fits and starts against Poland. Three at the back would allow another.

I think TOWK is probably right wrt Walters. I have a feeling he'll play at McGeady's expense.

I'd like to see


-------------------------Given---------------
-------------McShane - O'Shea - Wilson-----------
Coleman --------------------------------------Brady (or McClean or Quinn)
--------------Whelan--- ---McCarthy (or Quinn)----------
-------------------------Wes-----------------------
-----------------Walters--------Long------------


We have a lot of good players who can't guarantee a start regardless of what shape he uses.

[Olé Olé]

Actually found a thread on Browne on the PNE forum. Some strange claims made about him until, at last, someone pipes up:
Word on the street is, his head hasn't gone, and he put in a very good performance today in an important play-off semi-final match.

This can only be substantiated by the 15,641 people watching and anyone who tuned into Sky Sports 3 though, so - you know - hush hush, wink wink.

It's actually a funny thread and he seems to very divisive but the majority like him and rate him as having potential. Some of those that don't rate him come off as slightly less.. grammatically cohesive than some of those that do.

http://www.pne-online.net/forum/showthread.php?94325-Alan-Browne

[Charlie Darwin]

I think the "head is gone" comment was a ****-take and people believed it.

[samhaydenjr]

Found this thread way back on page 10 or 11, but Alan Browne still seems to be one to watch - has made the step-up to Championship level with 10 appearances in all competitions and got his first Championship goal today, albeit in a loss for Preston

[OwlsFan]

Found this thread way back on page 10 or 11, but Alan Browne still seems to be one to watch - has made the step-up to Championship level with 10 appearances in all competitions and got his first Championship goal today, albeit in a loss for Preston

Yep, goal here at around the 7th minute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UgXXVgDGM0

[Olé Olé]

http://www.pne-online.net/forum/showthread.php?97057-Matchday-thread-Charlton-v-PNE-20-10-15-KO-7-45PM/page35

Browne is getting great reviews of late over on the PNE forum. The above thread is from the Charlton game the other night. Some of the posts:
"Allan Browne looks absolutely awesome (fit, fast, strong and attacking) and growing in stature all the time"
"Thought Browne deserved an 8, he was brilliant."
"Browne was class last night. Can't see him being dropped."
"Browne is a player I like - possibly his contribution did not look as good as it was because of the way the sheer style of Gallagher and Johnson caught the eye. It occurred to me looking at him tonight that his head-up, chest-out style of running is a bit reminiscent of Bert Patrick."

It looks as if he's benefitting from a slow, upward transition through the levels (LOI-L1-Championship).

Seems to be a player who likes to drive forward from midfield and is physically impressive. Similar to Jeff Hendrick?

[samhaydenjr]

Meant to mention that Browne got his second goal of the season a few weeks ago to clinch victory against Huddersfield

[Olé Olé]

http://www.the42.ie/alan-browne-preston-deal-2660383-Mar2016/
New contract for Alan until 2019 and the supports are very happy at Preston:
http://www.pne-online.net/forum/showthread.php?98749-Browne-signs-a-new-contract-until-2019-(Confirmed)

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I know he's only 20 years old but Jeff Hendrick was 20 years old too once upon a time. Now he's 24 and if Derby don't get promoted this season I don't think he's done enough for clubs to renew their interest in him.

We are a good, honest bunch of lads but sometimes I can't help but wish young Irish footballers were a bit more ruthless about seeking moves up the leagues.

[Charlie Darwin]

Who said he had options up the leagues?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

There have been reports of interest from Crystal Palace, Swansea etc since last summer. The less they have to pay to release him from his contract, the more attractive a proposition he would and the more likely they would be to follow up on their interest.

Though it's only till 2019.

It's not as restrictive as the contract the soon-to-be 28 year old Coleman has committed himself too.

[Charlie Darwin]

So we know that while he was looking to negotiate a new contract at his current club, rumours conveniently surfaced that clubs at a higher level were interested. As tends to happen every time any players is looking for a new contract.

[SkStu]

Goal from Alan Browne for PNE against Brum. Fired home from a cross. So both him and Cunningham scored for the same team in the same game.

[tetsujin1979]

Browne's call up was discussed briefly on Off The Ball last night. He was on trial at Hull while Kevin Kilbane was getting started as a coach, and he wanted them to sign the youngster after an impressive showing in training. Ringmahon wanted five thousand for him, but Hull didn't have that budget for a youth player, so he went to Cork City instead, and from there to Preston

[Olé Olé]

Browne's call up was discussed briefly on Off The Ball last night. He was on trial at Hull while Kevin Kilbane was getting started as a coach, and he wanted them to sign the youngster after an impressive showing in training. Ringmahon wanted five thousand for him, but Hull didn't have that budget for a youth player, so he went to Cork City instead, and from there to Preston
Aye, he's told that one before. Said he was adamant Hull pay it and no budge. It perplexed him. He said he looked comfortable at that trial.

[samhaydenjr]

Browne's call up was discussed briefly on Off The Ball last night. He was on trial at Hull while Kevin Kilbane was getting started as a coach, and he wanted them to sign the youngster after an impressive showing in training. Ringmahon wanted five thousand for him, but Hull didn't have that budget for a youth player, so he went to Cork City instead, and from there to Preston

Well five thousand was a lot of money back in those days...