Nicholson made 124 appearances for Aberdeen

Preston boss Alan Irvine believes midfielder Barry Nicholson could become a fans' favourite at Deepdale.

The 29-year-old, who joined North End from Aberdeen in July, played a major part in Preston's 2-1 win over Ipswich on Saturday.

"I was delighted with his first game in English football," Irvine told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"He's got a goal threat, but that was something we were aware of when we signed him."

And the Preston boss also feels captain Paul McKenna will continue to be a vital part of the team after scoring his first goal since January 2007.

"I didn't realise it was that long, but we've done a fair bit of shooting this week and we did it position specific. So midfield players were shooting from outside the box, while forwards were shooting from inside the area.

"It might have been a coincidence but it doesn't do any harm to work on things which might happen in the game," Irvine added.