Irish 'keeper signs for Preston

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Wayne Henderson has ended his Brighton torment by joining Preston North End in a deal that could top £200,000

Owing to Shay Given's groin injury and Paddy Kenny's continued absence for personal reasons, the 23-year-old is expected to start for Ireland in next Wednesday's European qualifier against San Marino.

And Irish manager Steve Staunton will be thrilled with Henderson's transfer as the switch sees the Dubliner jump from lowly League One back into Championship action.

Henderson, who has signed a three-and-a-half year deal, lost his place at Withdean Stadium to Michael Kuipers and subsequently had a bitter falling out with Brighton manager Dean Wilkins.

"I was hoping to get away from Brighton having put in the transfer request a couple of days ago and I was delighted that such a big club like Preston would come and take me here," said the 23-year-old.

"After I got the call yesterday, it all happened extremely quickly. I was just happy to get in the car last night, keep my fingers crossed that everything would go through today, and thankfully everything has."

But Wilkins hit out at Henderson, suggesting the three-times capped international should have fought to reclaim his place and was too rash in wanting to leave so quickly.

"He has always been professional when he has played, but I felt he handed in his transfer request a little too soon," Wilkins said.

"He's got his reasons for doing that and part of that is because of his international career, but I feel that he has served the club well and I wish him all the best for the future."

Henderson is not guaranteed first-team football at his new club and, indeed,  faces stiff competition as Preston boss Paul Simpson already has two senior goalkeepers in Andy Lonergan and Carlo Nash.

However, Nash's future at Deepdale is less than certain after the former Manchester City player publicly declared a desire to leave following recent interest from Fulham.

Henderson joined Brighton on loan from Aston Villa before making the move permanent last January.  He made 22 appearances for the club this season but played no part in the club's last three games.

• Dubliner Richie Foran has joined Southend from Scottish side Motherwell on a two-and-a-half-year deal.  The 26-year-old former Shelbourne striker, who has scored 14 goals for the SPL side this season, moves for a £200,000 fee and is available to face Stoke on Saturday.