Preston North End have completed the emergency loan of Crystal Palace centre half Paddy McCarthy until the start of 2016.
The 32-year-old has agreed a 93-day temporary transfer from Alan Pardew’s Selhurst Park outfit and goes straight into the squad for the Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.
McCarthy, a former Eagles skipper, is the experienced defender that manager Simon Grayson had been looking to add to his squad, with over 250 appearances for the likes of Palace, Charlton Athletic and Leicester City.
Speaking about his new No.4 the manager was delighted with his latest addition, he said: “It was a position we have been looking at, as we felt we were a bit vulnerable in the centre of defence in terms of numbers, highlighted by the suspension of Bailey Wright and injury to Paul Huntington.
“It was a needs must situation, but Paddy was a player we have looked at for a number of weeks and months. He has great experience, is a leader, knows the game inside out and we feel his experience will help us with his knowledge of the game.
“It was good he got up early on Friday morning and got to train with us on Friday; and that shows his willingness and determination to want to come to the football club and we thank Alan Pardew and Palace for allowing him to come and Mr Hemmings and the people at Deepdale for making it happen.”
The Dublin-born defender had an early start on Friday to get up to train with his new team-mates, but was looking forward to the opportunity.
“I'm delighted to be here,” he said. “When I heard there was interest I jumped at the chance to come up here and I'm excited for the challenge ahead.
“I've played a lot of games in the Championship and we've got a decent squad here, so hopefully I can add something to that.”