Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe has hailed Robbie Brady after his impact in Saturday’s 2-1 win away at Birmingham City.
PNE headed away to St Andrew’s on Saturday and really needed a positive result after a 4-0 defeat to Norwich City.
Add in some off-field drama and fans headed to the Midlands desperate for a pick-me-up.
North End duly obliged, racing into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Ryan Ledson and Alan Browne.
Lukas Jutkiewicz pulled one back to set up a frantic finale but PNE managed to hold on for all three points.
North End’s away record continues to be sensational this season and Ryan Lowe will be looking to bring those displays to Deepdale.
The return of Robbie Brady was a welcome boost and he made his presence felt.
The Irishman returned from injury as a substitute against Norwich City but was back in the starting XI against Birmingham.
Brady put in a cross that Birmingham just couldn’t deal with, resulting in Ledson firing home the opener.
Brady then swung in the corner for Alan Browne to head in number two, which proved to be the vital winning goal.
Alvaro Fernandez was left on the bench as Brady came in at left wing back, and his quality was there for all to see.
Brady has that proven Premier League quality in his locker and his usage of the ball is invaluable.
Manager Lowe has now told BBC Radio Lancashire that Brady was actually desperate to start against Norwich last weekend, but Lowe took a cautious approach.
Lowe added that Brady has great quality on the ball but also has top leadership skills in the dressing room, hailing him as ‘different class’.
“I don’t really like singling players out but when Rob came back, he was chomping at the bit to start the weekend gone against Norwich but we have to manage these lads and bring them back and make sure they’re fit,” said Lowe.
“I don’t have to tell you what Robbie’s quality is like, but not only his quality but his leadership skills in the dressing room… just different class,” he added.
Brady is out of contract at the end of the season and PNE will soon need to decide whether to push for a new deal or not.
The 31-year-old is a top performer, the only issue is his injury history. Brady has largely stayed fit this season and if that can continue, it would be great to see him stick around for another year.