Preston North End are pleased to confirm Ali McCann has joined the club from St Johnstone for an undisclosed fee.
The central midfielder has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Lilywhites, making the move from Callum Davidson’s Scottish Premiership side.
McCann, 21 years old, is currently away on international duty with Northern Ireland, who he has earned six caps for, and he will join up with his new PNE team-mates next week.
Speaking after signing for the club, Ali said: “It’s brilliant, it’s been such a long day today. I’m just so buzzing to get it all sorted and get it over the line and I just can't wait to get back and get in with the lads next week.
"St Johnstone are a great club. I’ve been there since I was young so it was difficult leaving because they’ve done so much for me when I’ve been growing up, but an opportunity to move down to a club like this is just too much to pass up and I just can’t wait to get started.
"I try and do every part of the game. I try and put myself around, getting forward, getting back, getting involved. I put myself into tackles, pressing high, I also try and chip in with goals at the other end so hopefully I can do that and the fans will take to me which is what I’ll try and do."
The Edinburgh-born man has been at St Johnstone since 2012 and was part of their side which made history last season by winning the domestic cup double.
Since making his debut for the Saints in 2018, McCann has made almost 100 appearances in Scottish football, 43 of them coming in a famous campaign last term.
Head coach Frankie McAvoy told PNE.Com: “It's magnificent, it’s a brilliant signing for Preston North End. He’s one of the best young players in Scotland.
"He’s done remarkably well playing at St Johnstone. He’s a full international with Northern Ireland so we’re absolutely delighted to get the deal done.
"I cannot thank Mr Hemmings, Peter [Ridsdale] and Craig Hemmings enough for getting the deal done which has been stressful to say the least, but we’ve managed to get it over the line which is brilliant and I’m really looking forward to him coming in and being a part of our squad.
"He's a very dynamic midfield player and I’m sure I’ll add a lot to our squad."