Cork City sign Michael Howard on-loan from Preston North End

Cork City have announced that 18-year-old Preston North End striker Michael Howard has joined the club on a loan deal until the end of June, pending international clearance.

 

Howard, 18, is a product of the Preston North End youth set-up and joins John Caulfield’s Rebel Army on the back of a very positive recent working relationship between the two clubs.

 

“When I was first told that Cork City were interested, I was kind of shocked, but I couldn’t wait to get on the flight. I think it is a great opportunity for me.” Howard said while talking to Cork City’s official media team

 

Obviously, there is a strong Cork City connection at Deepdale so when the opportunity arose for the promising young attacking player to go to Turners Cross, Howard remarked that all around him encouraged him to join John Caulfield’s charges.

 

“They all said it is a decent level to play at and they wished me the best. Since I went up to the first team I was quite close to Daryl Horgan and I speak to him quite a bit, and he said that it was a good bunch of lads and to enjoy it. His brother Colm is here as well too, which also helps me settle in.

 



“I want to make my mark and make a name for myself over here if I can. As a young player, I want to make an impression at Cork City and, obviously, to Preston as well for when I go back there.”

Also commenting on the deal was City boss John Caulfield who added;

 

“Michael is very highly rated by Preston and we have spoken to them in the last few days about him coming in. He is very quick and a good finisher, he can play at centre forward and on the wing, so we are very happy to bring him in until the break.

 

“He is still only 18 but we have watched him, and he has huge potential, so I think he will be an exciting player. He will certainly figure in games during the first half of the season and he comes straight into the squad for Friday’s game.



 

“It’s a good deal for us, he’s coming in on loan and it’s good to get a player with a lot of potential. He did really well in training this morning. We have to be careful with him because of his age, but he looks a really exciting prospect.”

 

Howard could potentially play a role in Friday night’s Munster Derby clash at home to Waterford FC at Turners Cross as recent recruit Graham Cummins will have to sit the game out having been dismissed in controversial fashion during the Rebel’s opening day win away to St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park.