Preston North End are pleased to confirm Connor Wickham has joined the club on a short-term deal until 13th January.
The striker has been training with the club for the last few weeks, after leaving Crystal Palace in the summer, where he had spent the previous six years.
He got his first minutes in a PNE shirt last Tuesday in the Central League game against Walsall and he will now be eligible to play in competitive action for the first team.
Speaking after signing, Connor said: “It’s taken a little bit longer than I would have liked, having been around when the boys have been involved in games and watching their preparation and not being able to prepare the same way as what they are.
“But I’m just happy that it’s done now and I can kind of put that behind me and start to look to the future now.
“I was thankful that the club gave me the opportunity to come in in the first place and train and get my fitness back.
“I sat down and had a good few chats with the manager over the course of the three weeks and I feel like we’re going to be in a good place mutually that I’ve got to prove and show the right to get in the team, but hopefully it’s going to work out well.”
The striker, who first made his name as a teenager with Ipswich Town, was heavily involved in the England youth setup when he was younger, featuring 17 times for the U21s.
Connor has taken the No.21 shirt and will go into contention to feature in Tuesday night’s Championship clash with Sheffield United.
Head coach Frankie McAvoy said: “We’re delighted. He’s worked really hard since we got him in. He came in and just looked a wee bit off the pace, but that was to be expected.
“He’s worked extremely hard through training sessions, some games in-house and obviously we got the opportunity to see him against Walsall.
“He’s shown that he’s got something to offer. It’s going to take a wee bit of time to be honest, but what we’ve done is we’ve been fair and honest with him through the process and I’m now happy to add him to the squad. Hopefully he can kick on and become a part of us going forward.
“He’s aware you need to earn the right to get in the team and he knows what’s in front of him at the moment and how hard he’s going to have to work to get in there. Hopefully with the hunger and desire he’s shown, he can make that happen. He’ll get chances and when he gets that chance it’s up to him to take it.”