Preston North End defender Kevin O'Connor joins League Two side Crewe on loan

Kevin O'Connor is not in Alex Neil's plans and has been allowed to join Crewe

Preston North End LIVE: Leeds reaction, Bolton build-up, transfer latest, Championship updates and moreThe Irishman is not part of Alex Neil’s plans this season and has moved to the League Two side until January 7.

The 23-year-old is one of a number of players who were told they could leave Deepdale this summer.

Eoin Doyle has joined Bradford while Marnick Vermijl, Ben Pringle and Andy Boyle are also being lined up with moves away from Deepdale ahead of the transfer window closing at 5pm on Friday.

O’Connor arrived from Cork City with Sean Maguire in the summer of 2017 but made just the nine appearances for the Lilywhites before joining Fleetwood on loan in January.

His game time was limited in League One however with the attack-minded defender only appearing on five occasions for the Highbury club.

Now the former Republic of Ireland Under 21 international will look to kickstart his career at Gresty Road, Dave Artell’s side 18th in the early League Two table having both won and lost games by a 6-0 scoreline this season.

O’Connor famously hit the headlines in January when he won €1 million on the Irish National Lottery.