Preston boss Alan Irvine has expressed his desire to bring Blackburn striker Paul Gallagher back to Deepdale for a second loan spell.

Gallagher, 23, returned to his employers after Preston's away defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on New Year's Day following four months with the Championship strugglers.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes is currently without leading scorer Roque Santa Cruz through injury and Jason Roberts is expected to leave the club during the transfer window.

"Mark and I have agreed that we'll keep an eye on the situation and see if it's possible to bring him back," said Irvine.

"First and foremost, Paul would rather play for Blackburn Rovers. If he was doing that then I'm quite sure he wouldn't want to come back but if he is not playing for them, then I hope that he would like to come back."