'Big jump' - Ryan Lowe makes transfer decision on Sheffield Wednesday loan star Jordan Storey

Jordan Storey looks set to be handed an opportunity to resurrect his Preston North End career. The centre-back is due to return to Deepdale after a productive loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday.

Storey featured prominently in the Owls' strong second half of the campaign, scoring two goals in 21 starts across all competitions. The 24-year-old was part of the Wednesday side who came up agonisingly short in the play-offs last night as Sunderland won 2-1 on aggregate over two legs to set up a final showdown against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, May 21.

Speaking to our sister title Lancs Live, Preston boss Ryan Lowe said: "First and foremost, he's been great for them hasn't he? Him playing football is obviously one thing we wanted, because I couldn't really guarantee him any minutes with how well Sepp and Patrick (Bauer) were doing. I don't really see him as a middle centre-back, probably a right sided centre-back.

Owls player ratings after Sunderland

"With the players we had in the building, it was a good opportunity for him to go and get some games. He has found himself at a big club in Sheffield Wednesday, which in my eyes is learning a bit more of a trade. Because, when he came from League Two to the Championship, it is a big jump.

"I think his performances in the Championship were okay, but I think these performances for Sheffield Wednesday will only do him good. Then we'll get him back in pre-season to see where he is at and if he is ready to do what we want to do, then he'll be fine - he's our player. Until anything changes he will be a Preston North End player, but fair play to him for going and playing games."

Storey refused to be drawn on his long-term future following the first leg against Sunderland. When