Former Dundalk defender Andy Boyle gets loan move to Doncaster Rovers

Republic of Ireland international Andy Boyle has joined League One Doncaster Rovers on loan from Preston North End until the end of the league season.

The defender has found gametime hard to come by this season under manager Alex Neil after making an impression under his predecessor Simon Grayson at the tail end of term.

26-year-old Boyle has made just five appearances this season, three in the league, the latest coming in the FA Cup hammering of Wycombe Wanderers at the beginning of January.

The Dubliner has now opted to follow his teammate Kevin O'Connor in going out on loan in search of regular footballer.

Full-back O'Connor made the move to Fleetwood Town last week after he too found gametime difficult to come by since his summer move from Cork City.

"I'm really looking forward to coming here and getting some game time,” Boyle told Doncaster's official website.

“I want to play as many games as possible and try to climb higher in the table.

"I'm fit and ready and if the manager picks me, it makes it easier that we've got a game coming up straight away and it's a big game to have as my debut."

Boyle won't be the only Irishman working under Darren Ferguson as former Ireland under-21 goalkeeper Ian Lawlor is first choice while defender Shane Blaney recently joined from Finn Harps.

The Ireland defender could be in line to make his debut when Doncaster travel to Portsmouth on Saturday, February 3^rd.