Preston boss Alan Irvine is confident he can keep Nottingham Forest target Paul McKenna at Deepdale.
Preston aim to fend off Forest's interest in midfielder
Preston North End boss Alan Irvine is confident he can keep Nottingham Forest target Paul McKenna at Deepdale.
McKenna has been the subject of two failed bids from Forest, with Preston's Championship rivals offering in the region of £600,000.
The midfielder played under Forest manager Billy Davies at Preston, but current chief Irvine is planning on having the 31-year-old in his squad next season.
"Forest made a couple of bids unfortunately and the story broke in the newspapers, which wasn't ideal because the bids were turned down," Irvine told the
Evening Post.
Great servant
"Paul is a very important player for us, he played in all but two games last season, missing one through suspension and the other time because of injury.
"When I came to the club I made him captain, he's a very influential player both on the pitch and off it, and is certainly not someone we want to lose.
"No one could think Paul hadn't been loyal to Preston - he's been a great servant and will hopefully continue to be.
"Yesterday was my first day back at the club after a holiday and I've not heard anything different about Paul. I'm planning for pre-season with Paul in our squad."
