Preston complete signings of Kenny and Gibbs

Preston North End have secured the signings of Johnny Kenny from Celtic and Liam Gibbs from Norwich City.

Striker Kenny, 23, has moved to Deepdale on a permanent deal after five years at Parkhead. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, who he helped win promotion from League One.

The Irishman scored six goals for Wanderers in 14 appearances.

Kenny, who scored seven goals in 32 appearances for the Bhoys, has signed a four-year contract.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom said: "He's a player who likes to play on the last line and make runs in behind; he's a sharp player.

"He's lively in the box and will look to get shots off, left foot, right foot. He works hard for the team.

"We need to do a lot of work with him tactically in terms of how we're going to use him, but that's the exciting bit now."

Midfielder Gibbs has also agreed a move to North End, on a season-long loan deal.

The 23-year-old has played more than 100 matches for the Canaries but has been granted a move away from Carrow Road in order to secure more regular first-team football.

Heckingbottom said of Gibbs: "He's a young boy but has a lot of experience in this league.

"He's a good athlete, technical player; he's been used in a number of positions at Norwich, but I see him as a central midfielder.

"He's got know-how, experience in the league, and has shown real quality over the past few years."