National media react to ‘busy’ performance from Sunderland ace Browne in Republic of Ireland v Greece
Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne has been assessed by the national media in Ireland after a disappointing 2-0 defeat by Greece in Dublin.
The 29-year-old claimed his 37th cap on Tuesday night as the Republic of Ireland side suffered successive home defeats, losing out to the Greeks at the Aviva Stadium.
A gutting loss puts the side in a difficult position in the UEFA Nations League, with Browne – the Black Cats’ summer signing from Preston North End – given some underwhelming feedback.
The Irish Mirror [10 September] issued Browne just a 5/10 rating, reasoning: “Saw plenty of the ball in the first half on his inclusion as one of three changes and as part of a new midfield formation. But the Sunderland clubman didn’t do much with it.”
The Irish Independent [10 September] scored the midfielder a marginally better 6/10, explaining: “Sat in the No 6 role with Molumby and should have really hit the target on 44 minutes. Had a busy second half too and made a key block to deny Greek skipper Tasos Bakasetas.”
Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne in tough night for Ireland
After a brief 16-minute appearance in his nation’s defeat by England at the weekend, Browne was handed a start on Tuesday but was one of several to put in a largely forgettable display.
Whilst England and Greece enjoy the top two spots with 100% return, the Irish join Finland below them yet to get off the mark.
Browne, however, possesses enough experience to know better days will come – and they already showed themselves in his club exploits this season, scoring his first Sunderland goal against Portsmouth to seal his side’s place at the top of the league on maximum points.
After testimonial territory as Preston captain with a decade in the first team at Deepdale, his rejection of a new contract opened up an ideal opportunity for he and the Wearsiders, who brought him to the Stadium of Light on a free transfer as the club embarked on a search for a ready-made midfielder.
He has looked a very tidy pickup judging by his early showings, and brings much-valued experience to the Championship’s youngest squad.
Browne is expected to feature in the side’s next league outing, down in Plymouth this Saturday.
In other Sunderland news, an exciting U21 international tournament begins.
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