Preston North End's Irish pair were the inside men on Jayson Molumby's move from Brighton

Maguire and Browne are team-mates of Molumby in the Republic of Ireland set-up and he spoke to them both ahead of sealing the deal

The 21-year-old has signed on loan from Brighton for the rest of the season and will start training with PNE at Euxton on Wednesday morning.

Molumby said: "I am really happy to be here. I spoke to the gaffer and the Irish boys here, who I know quite well, and it was a no brainer in the end and I am looking forward to getting started.

"Seani [Maguire] and Alan [Browne] speak very highly of the club and then the gaffer spoke to me and was the same and, in the end, I just wanted to get it done and I am really excited to get going and I just want to play some games and help the team."

Cappoquin-born Molumby joined Brighton's academy as a teenager and spent last season on loan

North End manager Alex Neil was pleased to get the first January deal signed and sealed, and there are likely to be more arrivals during the window.

Neil said: "I think this is a signal of intent from us and he is a great acquisition. He has great energy, is good on the ball and is an Irish international.

“Jayson has played at this level before for Millwall and he knows what it is about and we are delighted to get it across the line.”

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