Simon Grayson promised Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle the opportunities to impress when they signed for Preston. He's been true to his word so far, giving Horgan his debut from the bench last week against Arsenal.
The Preston fans were pretty happy with his cameo then. Well, today against Brighton (not featuring Horgan's ex-team mate Richie Towell) the Galway winger was given his league debut from the start.
One of four Irishmen in the starting XI, Horgan caused the league leaders havoc all day. Cross after cross went in from the left wing, and he provided the assist for Preston's second. We've yet to get footage, but it seems to be absolutely fantastic going by the reaction of Iain Dowie on Soccer Saturday.
Lilywhite fans at Deepdale were ecstatic with the 24-year-old.
Daryl Horgan is the real deal #Preston #Horgan
— Peter masterson (@Peesheen) January 14, 2017
Horgan is unreal. Him, McGeady and Robinson are an awesome front three #pnefc
— Ashley (@Aimms95) January 14, 2017
Unbelievable assist from Daryl Horgan. Absolute class.
— Michael (@mikesm24) January 14, 2017
That pass from Horgan 👀
— Jake (@jioates) January 14, 2017
What a ball by Horgan to set up Robinson #pnefc
— PNEFC (@All_Things_PNE) January 14, 2017
90' Second sub of the afternoon sees Horgan make way to a standing ovation, he's replaced by Spurr.#pnefc 2-0
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) January 14, 2017
The win puts Preston just six points off the playoff places. Being six off a place is usually a bad sign, but the Championship is so bonkers that the table changes drastically every week.
They head to Aston Villa next weekend with just one league loss since the start of December. Horgan's foot is through the door at Deepdale. With a couple of more appearances he could break it down.
Two games, one assist and a standing ovation. The man of the match award went to another ex-League of Ireland player in Alan Browne. Going by the Preston reaction so far, it won't be long before Horgan picks up that award.
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