North End looking to extend McGeady's stay at Deepdale

Preston winger Aiden McGeady has been a big hit at Deepdale this season

McGeady has become a big fans’ favourite over the last few months and played a key part in PNE staying in touch with the play-off places.

He was voted player of the month in the Championship for February, having scored three goals and provided four assists.

It is fair to say that the loan switch from Everton to North End has reignited his career.

The loan deal was done in the final hours of the summer transfer window on August 31.

McGeady scored on his PNE debut against Barnsley and has gone on to make 26 appearances.

A hamstring injury kept him out for most of October and a groin strain saw him miss games in December, but since then his form has really kicked on.

The 30-year-old has one more season remaining on his Everton contract.

Club sources say it could be that PNE try to agree another season-long loan deal with Everton.

Another option would be for North End to make their move if the Toffees settle up the remainder of his contract.

McGeady is playing his best football since returning to the UK after three-and-a-half years with Russian club Spartak Moscow.

He only played once for Everton last season and joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the second half of the campaign – one which was cut short before the play-offs.

Speaking last week, the winger made no secret of his hope that he can stay.

“I’d like to stay if everything can be sorted,” said McGeady.

“The last couple of years I’d forgotten what it was like to be a footballer.

“I’m enjoying training  during the week and looking forward to Saturday.

“It’s bringing the best out of me.”

Defender Tyias Browning is also on loan at North End from Everton.

The 22-year-old has been sidelined for three weeks with a knee injury and is likely to be out until April.

Preston’s other two loan players are Alex Baptiste and Simon Makienok.

It is understood that North End had been in discussions with Middlesbrough about a move for Baptiste prior to him injuring his knee in January.

Baptiste is due back after the international break and he will certainly be a player on the wish-list this summer.

As for Makienok, his loan from Sicilian club Palermo runs until the summer and a decision will be taken then on his future.

The 6ft 7in Dane offers a different kind of threat up front, even though he has not been prolific in front of goal.