Derry City land Preston's Adam O'Reilly to boost title hopes

Derry City have won the race to sign Preston North End midfielder Adam O'Reilly, strengthening their bid to land the SSE Airtricity Premier Division title this season.

O’Reilly was one of them most coveted players in the transfer window after his impressive loan spell at St Patrick’s Athletic last season.

The 21-year-old was an impressive performer for the Saints but was deemed surplus to requirements at the Championship side, paving the way for a move this month.

The Saints and Shamrock Rovers were just some of the sides chasing his signature, including offers from Football League clubs in England and Scottish sides.

However he has opted to move to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium to work under Ruaidhri Higgins as they attempt to dethrone the Hoops following their FAI Cup win and second-place league finish.

O'Reilly said: "This has definitely been the most difficult decision to make in my career so far, having had so many great clubs looking for me.

"I was really impressed with what Ruaidhri had to say. I want to play at the highest level possible and I have to challenge myself to do that.

"I’ve played against Derry last year and I know how good a side they are and the potential that exists at the club.

"There is an awful lot of quality in the squad and there will be real competition for places.

"It’s also fairly clear however that there’s a great bunch of lads at the club and it looks like a good changing room to be a part of.

"I want to push myself as a player, so this was the move for me."

Higgins described O’Reilly as one of the best players in the country.

The City boss added: "He gives us a completely different dynamic to what we have, and it was clear from our discussions that he has an unbelievable drive to maximise his