Preston North End midfielder forced to miss Republic of Ireland's clash with Wales due to 'close contact' Covid rules

Browne, former PNE winger Callum Robinson, Sheffield United defender John Egan and Bristol City's Callum O’Dowda have been deemed to be 'close contacts' of an unnamed fifth Republic of Ireland player who returned a positive Covid-19 test on Friday.

It could be that they miss the Irish's game against Finland on Wednesday too.

Browne had been expected to start the Wales match having made a big impact as a substitute in their European Championship qualifying play-off against Slovakia on Thursday.

He missed a penalty in the shoot-out which Ireland lost 4-2 but during the game had seen an effort hit the post.

Browne's team-mate Sean Maguire was named on the bench for the Wales match, together with former North End winger Daryl Horgan who is now with Wycombe Wanderers.

Maguire and Horgan were late call-ups to the squad on Friday.