AS HE SETS out on the long road to recovery, Eunan O’Kane has described the injury he suffered last weekend as the worst experience of his life.
O’Kane had surgery this week after fracturing the tibia and fibula in his left leg while playing for Luton Town against Bristol Rovers.
The Republic of Ireland international is subsequently expected to be ruled out for the remainder of the 2018-19 season.
“During Saturday’s game I went through what can only be described as the worst experience of my life,” O’Kane wrote on Instagram.
“I broke both my tibia and fibula in an open fracture during the game. I have had a rod put in my tibia and a few screws to hold it in place.”
Deemed surplus to requirements at Leeds United following the arrival of new manager Marcelo Bielsa in the summer, O’Kane was sent out on loan to Luton last month.
The 28-year-old midfielder has now returned to Leeds to undergo his rehabilitation, his stint at Luton coming to an end in just his fourth appearance for the League One club.
“Thank you to the Luton Town medical team and paramedics at Kenilworth Road, the staff at Luton and Dunstable Hospital and the Leeds United medical team for how everything has been handled,” O’Kane added.
“Finally I wanted to say thank you to everyone who reached out with messages of support and encouragement. I appreciate each and every one.
“I am aware I have a long road ahead of me to get back to full fitness but one that will undoubtedly make me stronger and more appreciative of how lucky I am.”
The Derry native has played seven times at senior level for Ireland. His most recent involvement with the squad was as an unused substitute in the friendly defeat to Turkey in March.
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I thought he done very well last night. He actually scored his first Ireland goal Vs Celtic in Scott Brown’s testimonial and the way Mick spoke about him last night he could well be promoted.
Cullen got man of the match but I thought Browne was the real MVP. His control of the ball, slowing down the game and giving himself time for an option to open up was another level to the rest of the team.
Don’t get me wrong, a few players impressed me last night, with Byrne, Long, Collins and Cullen getting all the credit but Browne deserves some too.
Would love to see him get a move out of Preston.
@Baz Harkin: Only matter of time before premier league clubs start taking an interest, top midfielder.Should be in ahead of Hourihan and Hendrick. Always seems to do the simple things right and be in the right place, just like a fellow Cork midfielder did a few years ago, but we better not talk about him for a while though!
@Baz Harkin: As a lover of PNE..I WOULD NOT!!!
Browne would walk into most midfield in the bottom half of the Premier league. So many foreign managers these days though bringing in speed demons from Africa/Germany/Brazil/France etc that it’s getting harder and harder to get the big break.
@Stanley Baggins: hence why Irish footballers need to start looking further afield and taking opportunities on the continent. Even English footballers are starting to do that more and more.
Browne should have more caps than he has. I know he’s been unlucky with injuries but his form was largely ignored by O Neill. Hopefully he gets back into the Preston team and pushes for a place with the national side. We’re not blessed with guys who can score from midfield and he certainly can if he’s played in the right position.