Republic of Ireland midfielder Andrew Moran revealed he is striving for consistency in his game.
The 22-year-old has been named in Heimir Hallgrimsson's squad for their upcoming international friendly match against Grenada on Saturday.
Moran began his career with Bray Wanderers before joining Brighton in 2020 and made three senior appearances for the Seagulls.
Following loan spells with Championship sides Blackburn and Stoke, the midfielder spent the first half of this campaign on loan with MLS side Los Angeles FC.
He then joined Preston on a three-and-a-half-year deal in February and made 11 appearances for the team as they finished 14th in the Championship.
Moran has previously represented Ireland three times, making his senior debut against New Zealand in November 2023, and is now aiming to be more consistent.
"I probably need that bit more consistency in my game to take that next step," Moran told the assembed media. "I’ve never had a full pre-season at the club that I’m going to be at, really, in senior football.
"I’ve always been going on loans late in the window and stuff like that, so I’m really looking forward to it.
"Everyone here was probably in the (under-) 21s, where you’d say the same thing about it, so everyone’s at different ages, but it’s not as easy as you’re just going to walk into the Ireland team.
"There’s lads that are regulars for years now here so that’s what you need though, that competition to keep everyone pushing as hard especially at their clubs because you know now you’ve got to be playing well to even get in the squads, particularly playing midfield.
"I’d like to think I’m a more attacking-style midfielder, that I can provide that creativity in the final third. I’m probably not as good in a deeper role where I’m under pressure all the time and I can’t be as creative.
"But we have a good few numbers 10s similar to me that are doing really well at their clubs. Finn Azaz is in the play-off final now, he is flying and Jack Moylan has just won League One."
Dundee United defender Will Ferry has been called up to the Republic squad for Saturday’s friendly.
The 25-year-old is set to join the team in Murcia for Thursday’s training session after receiving permission from his club to do so.
Watch Republic of Ireland v Grenada on Saturday from 5pm on RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app
