Preston North End have secured the signature of Newcastle United prospect Andy Carroll on a six-month loan deal.

The 18-year-old has been chased by a number of clubs over the summer break but former North End favourite Sam Allardyce did a favour to one of his former clubs by allowing the 6'4 striker to move to Deepdale.

Carroll has been described as a 'young Duncan Ferguson' by Newcastle United fans, he's made seven substitute appearances for the Magpies, making his debut in the UEFA Cup at home to Palermo.

The rookie striker will take the No.21 shirt at Deepdale and will go straight into the squad for tonight's match at home to Morecambe.

report from pne.com

Andy Carroll knew Preston were the club for him - even though the might of Celtic were amongst the big clubs rumoured to be in for his services.

Straight after signing his temporary transfer to Deepdale, the Geordie told PNE.com that there was nowhere else he'd rather be. He claimed:

"I was given a few clubs to choose from but when I was looking at them Preston looked like the right move so I got straight on the phone to Paul and sorted it out. They seemed like the right team for me and I thought that I'd fit in well. There's a few good players here and hopefully and can get on well with them.

"Obviously I'm delighted with the move and I just want to play some games and get some goals under my belt. I hope I get some goals down here so that I can show everyone I can do it."

After describing his strengths as a player, he revealed that a gentle nudge from his new boss - former North End favourite Sam Allardyce - was a key contributing factor in his decision to move south.

"Everyone thinks I'm a target man but it's not just about the head all the time," he explained.

"I can get the ball down and score goals with my feet as well. Everyone calls me a young Duncan Ferguson up in Newcastle. They say I'm aggressive and good in the air, able to hold up play.

"Sam said it's a good club so I took his word for it and I'm down here now so I just want to do well. The gaffer here tells me that we've got a good bunch of lads and he's just expecting me to train well and get into the first team."

That opportunity could come as soon as tonight's Carling Cup game against Morecambe, with Carroll signed up in time to make his bow under the Deepdale floodlights. He concluded:

"I'd just like to play my best all the time and play every week. It would be a great start to get a goal against Morecambe and I just hope that I can get on, play well, and win the game."