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Tonge desperate to impress at PNE
New Preston North End recruit Michael Tonge is eager to kick-start his career with an eight-game loan stay at Deepdale.
The 26-year-old midfielder will make his North End debut against Newcastle on Monday night after joining from Stoke until the end of December.
He has struggled to make an impact with the Potters since a 2.35m move from Sheffield United 18 months ago, and views this temporary stay at PNE as a golden opportunity to get some first-team football.
Alan Irvine moved for Tonge to strengthen an engine room which has been spluttering in recent weeks.
North End have eight games between now and December 28, the Preston boss fears injury and suspension could leave him short of numbers in that busy spell.
Irvine, who today celebrates two years in the Deepdale hotseat, said: "I was wary of being left light in this run of games, it's a lot to expect to get through eight games without losing players.
"We have to cover ourselves and in Michael we have got a player who is proven at both this level and above, he gives us another option in an area where we have been quite badly stretched since Barry Nicholson broke his leg.
"It's just a loan, Michael is on a long contract at Stoke, on wages we can't get near. At the moment it runs until the end of December, that is all that has so far been discussed and agreed.
"While he hasn't featured a lot at Stoke, Michael had a fantastic record of games for Sheffield United. When I was at Everton, we were looking at both him and Phil Jagielka on a regular basis."
It's down the centre of midfield where Tonge is likely to play, and that's the position the player himself favours.
Said Tonge: "In the cup games and reserves at Stoke I've been playing a wider role, but I prefer it when I play in the centre of midfield.
"I need to get some first-team games. Preston are a good team, play some good football, and hopefully I can help the lads pick up some more points."
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Weather for Preston
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -6 C to 4 C
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