Preston swoop for Dundalk pair Boyle & Horgan

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)

Preston have completed the double signing of Dundalk pair Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan.

The out-of-contract duo arrive from the Irish champions having helped them win three league titles, while also starring in their magical Europa League run that saw the Lilywhites reach the group stages.

25-year-old centre-back Doyle, and winger Horgan, 24, were also in Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland squad in November for the World Cup qualifier against Austria.

The Irishmen will be available to play for Simon Grayson’s side from January 1st, and the boss told the club’s website: “Both players have had great seasons in their league and in Europe, leading to their call ups for the Irish squad.

“They are young, hungry and looking to improve and will be excellent acquisitions for us.”

Doyle captained Dundalk and made over 150 appearances for the League of Ireland side at the heart of their impressive defence,and Horgan thirved at the other end, scoring 27 goals in 132 games.

The pair cannot wait to get going in the Championship in the new year, and Doyle said: “I can’t wait to get started. Once I heard Preston were interested in me and I got over and had a look around it was the only place I wanted to come to.

“I knew of the history of the club and I am now really looking forward to getting going.”

Horgan echoed Doyle’s sentiments, adding: “It’s a massive club with a great history. It is a good team who like to try and play football, which was key for me.

“I met the manager and I was impressed by everything that he had to say, so that all helped massively, it just all seemed to fit and hopefully I can fit in here.”