Preston North End boss Alan Irvine is hopeful that loan signing Michael Tonge will make a big impact at Deepdale.

The 26-year-old Stoke City midfielder has joined the Lilywhites on an initial six-week loan and Irvine expects good things from the former Sheffield United star.

He told the club's official website: "He's a creative player. He's good on the ball and he's a player who wants to take the ball.

"He's a nice passer and he's got a very good work-rate. I think he'll bring all of those qualities to our team.

"Michael's obviously not getting the first-team action that he wants at the moment at Stoke, so he's very pleased to be coming out and to be given the opportunity to play games.

"If he does a good job for us then it will be a good job for him as well. He's looking to get some football and hopefully this will be his opportunity to do that."