Academy scholar Michael Howard has agreed an 18-month professional contract with Preston North End.

The 18-year-old's deal also includes the option of a further 12 months. The attacker will now join SSE Airtricity League champions Cork City on an international loan until June.

Howard, who has been with the club since the age of eight, has impressed first team boss Alex Neil and earned a contract with the first team.

He will now get the chance to play senior football at Turner's Cross, where the Lilywhites signed Alan Browne, Sean Maguire and Kevin O'Connor from.

John Caulfield's side have just begun their new season as the look to retain the title they won last season, where Maguire and O'Connor played a huge part.

Michael could line up alongside former North End striker Graham Cummins, who recently rejoined City.

His loan will be completed before the Irish transfer window closes on Thursday evening, meaning the Southport-born player could be available to make his debut against Waterford on Friday night in their first home game of the season.

Congratulations to Michael on his first professional contract and we would like to wish him luck during his loan spell with Cork City.