Ross Wallace

By The Black Cats
January 12 2009

Preston North End have finalised the signing of Ross Wallace from Sunderland on a permanent basis. Wallace has been on loan at Deepdale since the start of the season after finding himself out of the first-team picture at Sunderland. He scored three goals in 26 appearances during his loan spell and had expressed an interest in a long-term deal with the Championship club.

Alan Irvine was also eager to hang on to the 23-year-old, who has signed a four-and-a-half year contract after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.
Always hopeful.

"I was always hopeful of staying at Preston," Wallace told the club's official website.

"The loan deal was until the end of the season, but we have managed to get a deal done.

"The last few months have been good. I've enjoyed my time at Deepdale and I am delighted to be here for the next four-and-a-half years.

"I came to Preston to play games and I have done that. We have a good team and a good bunch of lads here and hopefully within the time I am here we can achieve our aim, which is to get to the Premiership."

Wallace had a good game this weekend, creating two goals for ex-Sunderland Striker Stephen Elliott.

In other news:

QPR are hoping to seal the signing of Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Miller from Sunderland in the next 48 hours.

Sunderland are happy to let Miller leave but the player may move to west London on an initial loan deal.

Miller, who turns 28 next month, felt the infamous wrath of Roy Keane: he was transfer-listed last year after repeatedly turning up late for training and has never really featured for Sunderland since.