Preston boss Alan Irvine is poised to make on-loan Blackburn defender Eddie Nolan his first signing in the January transfer window.The Republic of Ireland Under-21 skipper, 20, made an impressive debut in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Doncaster and is set to move to Deepdale for a nominal fee based largely on appearances.

Irvine told the Lancashire Evening Post: "Eddie can be delighted with his debut. I thought he played very well.

"I wasn't worried about throwing him in because he has looked very composed and very much a part of the group since he came here.

"It has been very much a case of waiting for his opportunity and when he got it he grasped it with both hands. He certainly showed everyone he is capable of playing at this level."

More Football News from TEAMtalk