Three Preston North End players were in action for their country during the international break.
Alan Browne started Republic of Ireland’s UEFA EURO qualifier at the Parc des Princes against France last week and was tasked with keeping one of the world’s best players, Kylian Mbappé quiet.
Starting at right wing back, Browney stood up to the test and performed admirably against France’s biggest threat, although Ireland were beaten 2-0.
Will Keane also made an appearance as a 67th-minute substitute, however North End’s top scorer limped off with injury 11 minutes later. The striker is now back at PNE for rehabilitation and he will be assessed ahead of the weekend.
Browne also started Republic of Ireland’s home match against the Netherlands – this time in midfield – which they lost 2-1, but again North End’s skipper received good reviews.
Elsewhere, Ali McCann featured twice for Northern Ireland, but it was to be a disappointing break for Michael O’Neill’s side.
Ali was used as a 64th-minute substitute in a 4-2 defeat to Slovenia, before then starting in their loss to Kazakhstan on Sunday afternoon.
The two September fixtures leave Northern Ireland with three points from their six qualification matches so far, with clashes against San Marino and Slovenia to come in October.