Four-time capped Irish international Greg Cunningham has joined Preston North End on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee from Bristol City.
The Galway native, a graduate of Mervue United has made the switch in search of regular football.
The former Manchester City player was called into the Irish senior squad in 2010 having made five first team appearances for City in the Premier League, League Cup and Europa League. The 24-year-old though has failed to make an impact at either Leicester City, Nottingham Forest nor Bristol City since leaving the Etihad.
He made just nine League One starts last season for Bristol, from a total of 32 appearances in all competitions in which he scored three goals on the way to picking up a League One winner’s medal.
Cunnigham told Preston’s club website; “I had a year left on my contract at Bristol City, but with my football being limited last year I was looking to get out and get games and when the gaffer and Preston showed an interest I came back early from Portugal and I am now delighted to have signed for the next two years.”
His new manager Simon Grayson said he's hoping Cunningham can bolster his defence following the summer departures of Scott Wiseman, David Buchanan and Scott Laird;
“What you find with Greg is that he is a really good age, but he is experienced as well. He has played for some good clubs, big clubs, knows the Championship and was part of a winning mentality at Bristol City last year.
“We are very pleased to have got him; he’s desperate to do well for Preston North End and try and get back into the Ireland squad and if he does that, hopefully it means we are doing well.”
Earlier on Monday Hull City manager Steve Bruce confirmed that his club had accepted a bid from Norwich for Irish international Robbie Brady.
It’s believed that the agreed fee is in the region of £7million (€9.8m).
Bruce told Sky Sports News: “The two clubs have agreed a fee for Robbie. We have given Robbie permission to go and speak to Norwich. I envisage that deal to go through.
“I want to thank Robbie for his efforts as he has been a terrific player for us. It’s sad to see him go but most people will understand that when you get relegated these things happen.”
