Michael Tonge admits he is loving life at Preston following his loan switch from Barclays Premier League outfit Stoke.

The former Sheffield United midfielder has fallen way down the pecking order at the Britannia Stadium and joined the Lilywhites in search of regular first-team football.

Tonge made an impressive debut in Monday's 1-0 home defeat by Newcastle and told Press Association Sport: "I've not played much this season and I didn't play as much as I would have liked last season, so I've come to Preston on loan and am seeing where it takes me.

"We've got a strong squad of players at Stoke and the lads have started off the season really well and are in a strong position.

"The team pretty much picks itself and there is a lot of strength in depth and quality in midfield, so to come to Preston and play games is great."