Preston manager Alan Irvine has paid tribute to Ross Wallace after the midfielder committed his long-term future to the Lancashire club.Wallace, 23, has impressed greatly since joining North End on loan from Sunderland in August.

He has now made the move permanent after signing a four-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Irvine said: "Ross has been terrific for us. He had to be patient at the start of the season, because he came in behind our lads with his pre-season training, but once he got his chance he stayed in the team.

"Everyone can see the contribution that he has made. He is very important for us.

"He has created a lot of chances for us and he has scored goals for us as well, so I am absolutely delighted he has signed permanently."

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