Alan Browne's delight at Republic of Ireland call for Preston team-mate Callum Robinson

Alan Browne is pleased to have been joined in the Republic of Ireland squad by his Preston team-mate Callum Robinson.
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Browne, Robinson and Graham Burke were named in a trimmed-down squad on Monday morning, Irish boss Martin O’Neill having initially named a 31-strong pool.

For Robinson, it is his first involvement in the squad for a competitive game.

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He played a testimonial against Celtic in May but at the time, the paperwork for him to play in a full international had not come through.

Alan Browne is congratulated by Callum Robinson after scoring against Bolton at DeepdaleAlan Browne is congratulated by Callum Robinson after scoring against Bolton at Deepdale
Alan Browne is congratulated by Callum Robinson after scoring against Bolton at Deepdale

Robinson, who was capped for England at four age levels up to Under-20s level, qualifies to play for the Irish through his late grandmother.

The 23-year-old could make his debut in Thursday’s Nations League meeting with Wales in Cardiff.

They then face Poland in a friendly in Wroclaw next Tuesday.

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PNE midfielder Browne said: “Callum has everything sorted now.

“He didn’t last time and was only allowed to play in the Celtic game.

“But now it’s good to have another familiar face around the camp.

“It’s great for Callum and I know it’s a really special thing for him and his family to be 
involved in the Irish set-up.

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“This will be another great experience and gives him chance to come up against some of the best players in the world.

“Callum will be able to test himself and hopefully bring that back into his game at Preston.

“I’ll have to teach him the national anthem now!”

Browne has three senior caps, the latest of those coming against France in May.

He said: “It’s always pleasing for me to get called up and play for my country.

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“Playing for Preston is my bread and butter but that’s the cherry on top.”

Browne and Robinson were both on the scoresheet in North End’s 2-2 draw with Bolton at the weekend.

Robinson’s 11th-minute opener was his first goal of the season, as he played in a 
central striker’s role.

Browne netted soon after with a superb volley on the turn from the edge of the box.

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It was a game which Burke also started but the former Shamrock Rovers man was taken off at half-time.

Also named in the Ireland squad is former PNE winger Daryl Horgan.

He left Deepdale to sign for Hibernian three weeks ago and has scored twice in four games in Scotland.