Preston North End's captain Sean Gregan wants to play for Ireland but don't tell Pat Dolan about it. The 26-year-old midfielder is checking out his Irishness at the moment after being recommended to Mick McCarthy by Preston boss David Moyes.

Guisborough-born Gregan has been with Preston since November 1996 after joining from Darlington for £350,000. In his time at the club he has helped them to promotion from Division Three and then the giant step to First Division football was secured at the end of last season.

The 6ft 2in player was voted Preston Player of the Year last season and he has taken to life in the higher division with ease. So much so that he is already being touted for a move to the Premiership before the end of the season.

The midfielder is going through his family tree at the moment as he is sure that one of his grandparents were born in Ireland. If he is proven right he will be a valuable addition to the Irish set-up.