Preston defender Callum Davidson has saluted manager Alan Irvine after he turned down the opportunity to join Coca-Cola Championship rivals West Brom.

The highly-rated Irvine, 50, had emerged as the clear favourite to land the vacant post at The Hawthorns as the Baggies seek to replace Tony Mowbray.

However, the former Everton assistant boss has declared his commitment to North End as he seeks to build on the progress made since his appointment in November 2007.

Left-back Davidson said: "It is great news. He has progressed the club since he has been here and it would have been a bit of a blow to lose a good manager.

"It must have been very tempting for him to join West Brom, a big club who have just come down from the Premiership.

"But him and the chairman (Derek Shaw) have spoken and obviously he feels he can take Preston further this year."