Alan Browne looking to bounce back as the Republic of Ireland host Wales in the Nations League

Republic of Ireland and Preston North End midfielder Alan Browne insists that the Boys in Green must not dwell on Thursday evening’s penalty shootout defeat away to Slovakia.

Browne, who saw his spot-kick saved in Bratislava, was keen to stress the importance of Ireland pushing on as they host Wales at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

“It’s probably a good thing that the game comes so soon (after Thursday),” the Cork native told the media this evening.

“I know it won’t make up for what was lost because there was so much at stake but it’s another chance to go out and play well, hopefully win the game and take as many positives from it as we can.

“The game (on Thursday) is gone, we’re all devastated with the result, but we can’t dwell on it because it will haunt you forever. We’ll go into the Wales game now with belief and positivity.”

The former Cork City midfielder made an influential impact on Thursday evening away to Slovakia – and he is hopeful of forcing his way into Stephen Kenny’s side tomorrow versus Wales.

“I came on and tried to make as big of an impact as I could and I was involved some of the better chances that we had,” he added.

“I maybe could have done better but on another night you’ll find the back of the net. It’s up to the manager now to pick his team – the lads were exceptional.

“There’s a lot of competition for places and hopefully I have given the manager a headache now.”

While he missed from the spot, the 25-year-old will not dwell on his error on Thursday evening.

“It’s disappointing,” he admits. “I’m as gutted about it as anyone else is but I accepted that responsibility and it’s a privilege to have that kind of pressure.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be and I’ve always said I’d rather miss it than one of my teammates missing it.

“Obviously, we would have liked to have won but it just didn’t seem to be our night. I won’t dwell on it too much but it’s a massive disappointment.”

He added: “From a personal point I like to analyse the games without dwelling on them. I’ve already looked at the chances I had and what the team created, and I have taken my own opinion from them. I’m not going to dwell on it.

“The chances will come along again and hopefully we’ll be in good positions to qualify for major tournaments in the future and fingers crossed it’s the other way around the next time.”

He finished: “It’s still early days in terms of the manager coming in and it’s difficult to get your ideas across and what you want across in such a short space of time.

“Right across the board, the coaching staff have been tremendous and we’re all on board for where this team is going. We’re excited for the future.”