Irish international joins Owls

Last updated : 19 February 2010 By C. Morris

Alan Irvine has moved to strengthen Sheffield Wednesday’s back line by snapping up young Irish defender Eddie Nolan from his former club Preston North End.

Despite a marked improvement results wise since the appointment of Irvine as manager Wednesday have continued to struggle defensively with just one clean sheet in their last fifteen matches and so the Scot has made a move to address this problem.

The 21-year-old, who has captained his country at Under 21 level has been predominantly utilised at left-back but is capable of playing any position across the defensive line.

Nolan made his debut for the senior national team last year and has made three appearances for them to date. The former Blackburn youngster was signed by Irvine for North End back in October 2008 on a loan deal that was later made permanent.

Nolan has made 22 appearances for Preston this season but has recently fallen out of favour under new boss Darren Ferguson, he has signed on at Hillsborough in a loan deal that covers the remainder of the season and he will be available for selection for tomorrow’s home game against Ipswich Town.