Preston give Johnny Kenny a start as Andrew Moran looks for minutes

Former Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers striker Johnny Kenny, 23, completed a permanent transfer from Celtic to Preston North End on Saturday, making his debut as a substitute, while fellow Republic of Ireland international Andrew Moran, signed from Brighton on a three-and-a-half‑year deal, has yet to break into the English Championship side’s regular lineup.

Why Preston courted Kenny

Keith Treacy, former Republic of Ireland winger and former Preston player, praised Kenny as a “brilliant fit” for the club. He said the atmosphere at Deepdale in Lancashire is low‑pressure, allowing wingers to express themselves without constant scrutiny. Treacy also highlighted the upgraded training ground as a further incentive for the young striker.

Alan Cawley, former Sligo Rovers forward, echoed the sentiment, saying Preston can offer Kenny the stability he needs after moving between Irish clubs. He added that regular minutes in Lancashire will be crucial for the 23‑year‑old to develop.

Moran’s uncertain start

Andrew Moran arrived at Deepdale from Brighton in February on a three‑and‑a‑half‑year contract but has logged less than ten minutes in the Championship so far. He has featured more frequently in the Carabao Cup, yet his limited league exposure raises concerns about his progression. Treacy noted that without a “bulk of ten or fifteen or twenty games” Moran cannot find rhythm or demonstrate his potential as a number‑10 for Ireland.

Cawley described Moran’s brief loan to LAFC in Major League Soccer as “strange”, questioning the decision and noting the player returned to Preston still out of sight. He suggested that consistent game time in England is essential for the 22‑year‑old’s development.

For Kenny, the move promises a platform to rebuild his career with regular first‑team opportunities in the English Championship. For Moran, the challenge remains to convert his promise into minutes, a task the club must address if his potential is to be realised, especially as Preston watches the Champions League action from afar.