Callum Robinson has re-joined the Lilywhites on loan for the remainder of the 2015/16 season.
The England U20 international, who scored seven goals in 28 appearances during his loan last season, has spent the first half of the season on loan at Bristol City, but was recalled by parent club Aston Villa to allow his move to Deepdale.
The 20-year-old forward, who will take the No.37 shirt, has also been given permission to play in the Emirates FA Cup, so he will go straight into the reckoning for this weekend’s third round tie away at Peterborough United.
He will have fond memories of the competition, having scored his maiden senior hat-trick for PNE in last year’s first round victory over Havant and Waterlooville.
His first league game for Simon Grayson’s side could be at former club Bristol City, just three days later, having scored the winner in a North End shirt in their last visit to Ashton Gate in November 2014, a year both sides won promotion from League One.
Speaking about his move back to PR1 Robinson said: “I'm glad to be back. When I heard that Preston were interested I was buzzing. I'm really looking forward to it, [being] back with the lads, back with the manager and the fans.
“I loved every minute when I was here last season and I've learnt a lot more since then as well, so I'm ready to show everyone what I can do.”
Manager Simon Grayson added: “We are happy to re-sign Callum; he knows us and we know him. He had a bad time at Bristol and after speaking to him he is so determined to do well for us. He’s hungry to prove he is a good player.
“We aren’t an established Championship club yet and are progressing all the time, therefore we want hungry younger players who we feel can develop and improve like Daniel Johnson, Alan Browne and Josh Brownhill. I am sure there will be more signings to follow this one.”