Daryl Horgan received a standing ovation when he was replaced in the 90th minute of Preston’s impressive 2-0 win over Brighton today.
The former Dundalk winger produced an exciting display, and provided an assist to Callum Robinson’s second half goal, after Paul Huntington put the hosts 1-0 up with a 13th minute header.
Horgan came off the bench last week to make his Preston debut in the FA Cup against Arsenal, and he was a constant threat down the left at Deepdale today.
Four Irish players started for the home side, with Greg Cunningham, Alan Browne and Aiden McGeady joining Horgan in the starting eleven.
All four impressed, and former Cork City midfielder Browne picked up the man of the match award.
Roy Keane was in the stands to watch Horgan’s impressive display, and Ireland and Preston fans took to Twitter to praise the 24 year old midfielder.
Daryl Horgan has been insane today against Brighton. #pnefc
— James (@Kxndaira) January 14, 2017
Daryl Horgan set up one goal in Preston’s 2-0 win today. Great debut from the Irishman #Horgan #Dundalk #Preston #COYBIG https://t.co/yhiNfjXOM3
— The Season Ticket (@_SeasonTicket) January 14, 2017
Would be no surprise if three Galway natives – Greg Cunningham, Daryl Horgan and Ryan Manning – started for Ireland in next year or two.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) January 14, 2017
Daryl Horgan looks like he’s been playing in The Championship all his life, exciting signing for #PNEFC, excellent today.
— George Hodgson (@GHodgsonSport) January 14, 2017
Thought Daryl Horgan was everything we’ve been missing in terms of creativity gave an outstanding performance today!!
— David Aspden (@DavidTAPNEFC) January 14, 2017
What a win for @pnefc today. Great to see 4 Irishmen start and Daryl Horgan making his full debut. #pnefc ☘ï¸🇮🇪
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) January 14, 2017
It’s been a great start to Horgan’s career in the Championship, and Preston and Ireland fans alike will be hoping the skillful winger will kick on.
Roy Keane will have been excited by what he witnessed at Deepdale today.