Preston North End’s Alan Browne is making the best of a breather from football

The last couple of seasons have been hectic for Browne, with call-ups to the Republic of Ireland squad running alongside his PNE duties.

Football being paused has enforced a spell of rest for the 25-year-old.

Although he is doing the home fitness programme given to him by North End, Browne has had plenty of family time too.

That includes time sat in front of the television with baby son Hugo watching episodes of Peppa Pig.

Browne told the Lancashire Post: “I’m all right but I’m starting to miss football now.

“What’s good is that I’m getting to spend a lot of time with my family and baby. It’s trying to make the best out of a bad situation.

“Along with everyone else I would prefer life to be back to normal.

“At home I’m in a bit of a routine now – get up in the morning, watch Peppa Pig with the baby, then do some training.

“Soon after all this started I took a bit of a break, had about a week off.

“I just needed a rest and this was an opportunity to do that. I know I’ve not played every game this season but over the last few years I’ve barely had a break.

“I’m back at it now, I’ve got a treadmill and a weight bench in the garage which I use pretty much every day,

“I’ve been out running but I do find long runs quite difficult to be fair.

“I know I do a lot of running in a game but it’s completely different being out there on the road.

“I’ve found a few decent routes and there is quite a bit of scenery along the way. That helps but I’d prefer to be out on the football pitch.”

Browne is not getting into a guessing game on when the season might resume.

PNE are aiming to be back in training on May 16 but until then Browne will just get on with life under lockdown.

“I’ve stopped looking at the updates from the Football League and things like that,” said the Irishman.

“You see things mentioned and then they change, so I don’t take much notice.

“As a club we just have to stay as professional as we can and everyone in the squad has been doing that.

“We have a really good bunch here, we all work hard and look out for one another. We have a group thing where people are checking in and everyone looks like they are keeping fit.

“As a group of players we have to listen to the manager, listen to Tom Little and his fitness staff. We have to hope that football is back sooner rather than later.”