Preston North End can confirm that Greg Cunningham has undergone an operation on the knee injury that he suffered in Tuesday night’s game away at Derby County.

Having not been named in the matchday squad to face Reading at Deepdale this afternoon, the club felt it important for fans to be aware of the injury and that he will now be out for some time.

Speaking about the news, manager Alex Neil said: “It is a real blow for the player, who deservedly had just returned to the Irish squad after an excellent start to the season.

“As I described him after the game on Tuesday night, Greg is a ‘warrior’ – as illustrated by the fact he wanted to carry on despite having done the damage that now requires an operation - and I have no doubt he will be back fitter and stronger before very long and our medical team will work closely with him to get him back with us.

“Whilst we are disappointed to lose Greg, this gives other players in the squad an opportunity to show what they are capable of and we look forward to seeing them compete for a starting shirt in his absence.”