Preston North End fans rally round Alan Browne after Republic of Ireland penalty miss

Browne saw his spot kick saved in the shoot-out of the European Championship qualifier play-off clash in Bratislava on Thursday night.

Tottenham’s Matt Doherty also missed from the spot as the Irish bowed out 4-2 on penalties after 90 minutes and then extra-time had failed to produce a goal.

Rather predictably - and sadly - in this day and age, Browne took some fierce and ridiculous stick on social media for his penalty miss despite having produced a fine performance after coming on as a 60th minute substitute.

Many North End fans hit back on Twitter, praising the 25-year-old’s display and character.

Former PNE goalkeeper coach Alan Kelly, who is on the Republic of Ireland's coaching staff, added his voice of support .

Kelly tweeted: "The abuse directed at @Alan__Browne after @FAIreland lost on penalties last night is shocking & disgusting.

"He is a proud Irishman, who accepted the responsibility of taking a penalty under the most intense pressure, that takes guts, that shows character."

Browne played in an attacking midfield role when coming off the bench.

He forced a good save from Slovakia keeper Marek Rodak within a few minutes of being on the pitch and in extra-time saw a shot hit the post.

His performance won the praise of former Ireland boss Mick McCarthy who was the co-commentator on Sky Sports’ coverage.

Browne will hope to put the disappointment of their exit from Euro qualifying behind him in during the remainder of the international break.

The Irish have two Nations League games coming up, against Wales in Dublin tomorrow afternoon and then in Finland on Wednesday.

He will be joined in the squad for those two games by North End team-mate Sean Maguire.

Having been left out of the squad for the Slovakia game, Maguire was called-up yesterday to cover a couple of Covid-19 related losses to the squad.

Maguire will join-up with the squad having scored in PNE’s 4-2 win at Brentford last Sunday.

Browne is one of the ‘big four’ at Deepdale who are in the final months of their contracts, together with Daniel Johnson, Ben Davies and Ben Pearson.

Some PNE fans did remark that Browne’s display against Slovakia – bar the missed penalty – was a ‘shop window’ job with him impressing greatly.

He played an attacking midfield role, similar to the position Alex Neil tends to use him at Preston.

Although Browne started off at right-back this season, he’s looked good in the No.10 role in recent games.

In the win at Brentford and draw at Norwich, he was a big part of PNE’s attacking press.

Presuming Browne doesn’t attract an offer before Friday’s domestic transfer deadline, it sets the clock ticking in terms of trying to agree a new contract with him.