At the beginning of December, Daryl Horgan was lining out for Dundalk FC against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League.
Less than a month later, he came off the bench to make his Preston North End debut against Arsenal in the FA Cup third round.
It’s been a crazy few months for the Galway man, who was part of the first Irish team to reach the Champions League play-offs and the first team from this little island to win a group game in a major European competition. The Lilywhites also lifted their third Airtricity League trophy in a row last year.
His phenomenal form for Dundalk earned him a transfer to Preston North End, where he joined compatriots Andy Boyle, who also made the switch from Dundalk, Aiden McGeady, Eoin Doyle, Alan Browne and fellow Galwegian Greg Cunningham.
McGeady certainly stole the show among the Irish contingent against Arsenal with his dizzying footwork leaving Aaron Ramsey for dead, but Horgan’s entry into the game with 10 minutes on the clock had the Irish eyes watching feeling extreme levels of pride. Although Ramsey and Olivier Giroud sealed the 2-1 win for Arsenal and safe passage to the next round, fans were impressed with what Horgan showed in his brief cameo.
Horgan had a few nice touches and sent some inviting crosses into the Arsenal box, but what was really noteworthy about his showing was just how at home he looked at that level.
Daryl Horgan has begun life in a Preston shirt in the same manner he finished playing for Dundalk in. Looks comfortable out there v Arsenal
— Shane Stapleton (@ShaneSaint) January 7, 2017
Loads of positives form tonight. Pearson and mcgeady quality. Horgan looked good when he came on.
— Tom Bamber (@Tommy_bomb) January 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/ShamelessMcFly/status/817819353387307017
Daryl Horgan looked very good. #PNE #PNEvAFC
— JJ Devaney (@JJDevaney) January 7, 2017
Daryl Horgan definitely didn't look out of place out there when he came on, has to be said giroud is very underrated
— Luke clyne (@Lukeclyne1) January 7, 2017
When done #darylhorgan didn't look outta place very good performance
— Willie Bruts â„¢ 🇮🇪 (@ledgemo) January 7, 2017
Daryl Horgan did not look out of place….hope he starts seeing some more game time at Deepdale now
— Mike Lillis (@mikejlillis) January 7, 2017
Daryl Horgan makes debut v Arsenal, plays 10+ minutes and looks very comfortable..Look forward to him breaking into the Irish team in future
— MM (@markmaher85) January 7, 2017
@Dunphy_Official @DietmarHamann Daryl Horgan making Dundalk proud tonight, looked at home on the big stage
— Bam Bam Mickey (@MickeyORourke_) January 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/pappyodaniel/status/817813339082465281
