Soccer:Preston have confirmed that defender Sean St Ledger has joined Middlesbrough on a three-month loan deal with a view to a permanent move in January.

The Republic of Ireland defender has linked up with Gareth Southgate’s squad ahead of tonight’s game against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough

The 24-year-old signed for the Lilywhites in the summer of 2006 and went on to play more than 130 games for them.

St Ledger was named as Preston’s Player of the Year in 2008.