Irvine praise for Brown

Preston boss hails striker; Grayson saddened by loss

Last updated: 16th November 2008

Irvine praise for Brown

Irvine: Triumphed over rivals

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Preston North End manager Alan Irvine paid tribute to sciatica sufferer Chris Brown after he scored a brace to ensure the club claimed their first victory at Lancashire rivals Blackpool in 16 years.

Irvine's troops found themselves behind at the break after on-loan Liverpool winger Adam Hamill scored a fine goal but they hit back in the second period through two strikes from Brown and an effort from Neil Mellor.

Brown's season has been severely disrupted by his ailment, and Irvine has praised the 23-year-old striker.

He said: "Chris is an important player for us and did a great job last season.

"Hopefully he's over the worst of his problems now and can do the same kind of job for us this year.

Feeling good

"I don't think Chris' problem [the sciatica] is necessarily something that has gone forever.

"But he's working really hard and spends a lot of time the gym doing exercises that he's been given to prevent it happening and to make sure he can manage the injury all the time."

For Irvine, it was a welcome triumph after a dismal run of just two wins in his side's previous 10 games.

The former Everton assistant boss added: "We all know what derbies mean and hopefully this can kick-start our season.

"All our players are coming back from injuries, we played well today and we're feeling good about ourselves."

Seasiders reaction

Meanwhile, Blackpool boss Simon Grayson was disappointed by the way his team capitulated in the second period.

Grayson said: "I can accept us losing matches but I cannot accept how we crumbled in the second half.

"We had no desire or passion about us and that's something I never want associated with my team, especially in a local derby.

"The players lacked bottle and have to accept the criticism that is going to come their way and I will do likewise."

Grayson believes Hendrie will put pressure on his players during his month-long stay at the club.

Grayson said: "There will certainly be one or two players looking over their shoulders to see if they will be in the team next week."