Lonergan has scored one goal for Preston against Leicester in 2004

Preston manager Alan Irvine believes goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan is capable of playing for England.

The 26-year-old, who is eligible for the Republic of Ireland, played in the 2003 Under-20 World Cup for England.

Irvine told BBC Radio Lancashire: "He's been excellent. He's a top goalkeeper in this division.

"I believe he's someone who can play in the Premier League and, in time, at international level. In goalkeeping terms he's very young."

Lonergan joined hometown club Preston as a trainee in August 2000.

He has shown fantastic character to come back and learn from his mistakes Preston manager Alan Irvine

After loan spells with Darlington, Blackpool, Wycombe and Swindon, he claimed the number one shirt at Deepdale, and has gone on to make 164 appearances.

"I think he'll play well into his 30s and if he's got the ambition and desire he could even play when he's 40," Irvine continued.

"When I first came [in 2007] he was suffering a bit and his form was patchy. But he has shown fantastic character to come back and learn from his mistakes.

"I think Andy Rhodes [goalkeeping coach] has done a great job with him and he's now going from strength to strength."

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