Irvine raids old club for Nolan

Sheff Wed manager Alan Irvine has raided Preston to sign Eddie Nolan on loan for the rest of the season.

Defender brought in on loan to boost Owls' survival bid

Sheffield Wednesday manager Alan Irvine has raided former club Preston North End to sign Eddie Nolan on loan for the rest of the season. Nolan was signed for Preston from Blackburn Rovers by Irvine last season and has now been reunited with his old boss at Hillsborough. The Republic of Ireland defender has made 19 appearances in the Championship for Preston this term, but will go straight into the Owls' squad for Saturday's game against relegation rivals Ipswich Town. "We have a tough battle ahead of us in order to stay in the Championship this year and Eddie Nolan is a very good defender who will bring a lot of quality and cover to our defensive unit," Irvine told the club's official website. "Every game coming up is a massive game and having the opportunity to bring in a player of Eddie's quality and versatility at this time is something that I feel can help us in the remaining matches. "It is vital that we are strong defensively and Eddie will certainly add strength to that department between now and the end of the season so I am delighted to have secured his services."