Preston newcomers Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle say that the Irish colony at Deepdale made it an easier decision to commit their futures to the Championship club.

The duo are moving from one Lilywhites to another after leaving Dundalk to sign two-and-a-half-year deals that will kick in from the beginning of January once they receive international clearance.

They will link up with Greg Cunningham, Alan Browne, Eoin Doyle and loanee Aiden McGeady at their new abode, and that was a factor as they weighed up their options.

"I have played with them all at one stage or another so it's funny how it's worked out," said Horgan, "But it's brilliant to have the Irish lads and it will make coming into a new dressing-room a bit easier.

"I had been at Dundalk for three years and it was a pretty settled squad so it was very easy but I'm looking forward to it. It's a new challenge, a new adventure and I just want to get training and playing now."

Boyle added: " I played underage with Greg and I met Aiden with the Ireland squad in November, so it is great to have lads around that you know and hopefully it will help me settle in."

Dundalk's European exploits really put the duo on the map and they leave with fond memories.

"We won the league three years in a row at Dundalk and there wasn't much more to achieve in the League of Ireland, so coming here was a big test, and once Preston North End - a big Championship club - came in for me, there was only one place I wanted to be," said 25-year-old Boyle.

Horgan said: "It was a special three years at Dundalk, it's a special club. This year especially was incredible. Unfortunately we couldn't get out of the group but to be up at that level and competing shows there are a lot of good players there."

Dundalk have started the process of moving on by confirming the arrival of St Patrick's Athletic centre-half Sean Hoare.

"It was very tough to turn down the chance to join the club," said the 22-year-old, who was wanted by Cork and Shamrock Rovers.

"The club is huge at the moment. In my opinion bigger than everyone else.

"The European games that the club played this year have been brilliant. It would be great to be a part of something similar next year."

Irish Independent