Preston North End pair go on loan to Stalybridge Celtic

The Lilywhites want them to gain first-team experience and they will spend the rest of the season with the Bower Fold outfit in NPL Premier Division.

Preston boy Walker recently returned from a loan spell with Altrincham and this week starred in PNE Under-18s FA Youth Cup clash with Oxford United at Deepdale, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win.

Republic of Ireland youth international O'Reilly is in his first year as a professional at Deepdale having come through the academy.

Ethan Walker on his Preston debut against Aston Villa in December 2018

Walker, 17, and 18-year-old O'Reilly both made their PNE first-team debuts as substitutes in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in December 2018.

That is O'Reilly's only senior appearance to date, with Walker appearing as a sub in August's 4-0 win at Bradford City in the Carabao Cup.

Both are moving on youth loans which do allow for a recall beyond the 28-day mark.

Walker is also able to play for North End in the FA Youth Cup.

They join Jack Baxter in going out on loan this week, 19-year-old midfielder Baxter having joined Clitheroe for the remainder of the season.