In the spotlight: PNE's Alan Browne
Alan Browne signed from Cork City as an 18-year-old, the industrious midfielder initially arrived at Deepdale on an 18-month contract in January 2014 after impressing on trial.
Still only 21, Browne played his 100th game for the club in the 1-0 win at Burton Albion back in January. He has made 27 appearances in total this season.
Having played for the Republic of Ireland at various youth levels, including captaining the Under-19s, Browne is now looking to break into Martin O’Neill’s senior side.
He is part of a growing Irish contingent at Deepdale with Aiden McGeady, Greg Cunningham, Andy Boyle, Daryl Horgan and Eoin Doyle also in Simon Grayson’s first-team squad.
North End have recently entered into a formal link-up with Browne’s former youth club Ringmahon Rangers, the Lilywhites having added another one of their prospects, Adam O’Reilly, to their academy.