Kelly lands role at Preston

Preston have appointed former Republic of Ireland international Alan Kelly as their goalkeeper coach.

Kelly, the son of North End great Alan Kelly Sr, will work under caretakers managers Graham Alexander and David Unsworth until further notice. The 43-year-old holds a similar role with Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland national team and has spent the last 18 months working at Preston's centre of excellence. "I got a telephone call from the chairman (Peter Ridsdale) and after speaking to Grezza and Unsy I have started working with the senior goalkeepers at the club," Kelly told Preston's official website. "They have shown a fantastic attitude and I am very impressed with how they have all acquitted themselves. "The Republic have recently qualified for the European Championships next summer so we were not due to play again until February so it is great for me to be involved on a day-to-day basis. You do get a buzz when you train with the first team. I am very impressed with the set up and I am delighted to be here." Kelly started his playing career at Deepdale, making 150 appearances for the Lilywhites before moving to Sheffield United.