Daryl eager to face Clarets

Daryl Horgan rides a challenge in PNE's clash with Newcastle

The Irish winger was a 67th-minute sub in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

Those who were on the bench against the Magpies can expect a longer run in the Burnley friendly.

Horgan told the Post: “Fingers crossed, I get a further opportunity in this game.

“It is another tough test for us against a Premier League side and a good test for us with the new season getting closer.

“We want to hit the ground running so the more minutes you can get in your legs, the better it will be. These next couple of weeks are about sharpening up for Sheffield Wednesday on August 5.”

This is Horgan’s first taste of pre-season in England after January’s move from Dundalk.

The schedule did include a trip back to Ireland when the PNE squad trained at Fota  Island for five days earlier in the month. “It’s been good but very hard work which you have to expect,” said PNE’s No.7.

“The change of manager probably upped the intensity but it’s been enjoyable.

“You tell yourself that the running doesn’t last forever and before you know it, the friendlies have started.”

The Irish contingent at Preston was swelled by the arrival of Sean Maguire and Kevin O’Connor on Monday at Springfields. They agreed their moves from Cork last month but North End allowed them to stay with the League of Ireland side.

PNE now have seven Irish players in the squad.

“We are taking over,” said Horgan. “It is nice to have the lads here at last and we’ll help them settle.

“They’ve had their games at Cork to focus on but now they concentrate on being here and making an impact.”

North End are set to face a strong Burnley side in what is their penultimate pre-season game – they finish off against Fleetwood on Friday night.

At the weekend, Clarets boss Sean Dyche fielded two XIs in games at Alfreton and Kidderminster.

It will be his full squad which he brings to Deepdale as they step up preparations for the start of the Premier League season on August 12.

Dyche said: “They’ve come back really fit, but players want to lock in 90 minutes.”