Manchester United midfielder Matty James is delighted with his loan move to Preston North End.

The 18-year-old midfielder has signed a deal at Preston until the end of the season and will be registered on Tuesday when the window for emergency loans reopens in England.

James, whose younger brother Reece plays for Preston's youth side, is delighted to get his first taste of senior football.

"It's great coming from playing reserves to playing in the Championship, it's a massive step but I feel that I am ready for it and the manager and the management at Old Trafford feel that I am ready for it as well," said James.

"I am just looking to impress everyone at Manchester United and we will take it from there. It's been brilliant for me getting the chance to come here. It's a great club, great fanbase and it's a great club to be at for a young lad."

Preston boss Ferguson was pleased with the capture of his second United youngster, following on from Danny Welbeck's signing last month.

"He's one we have known about for a while. He's a good player, the lad's got great potential and the timing was right for him to get out and we've managed to nick in and get him quickly," he said. "There were a couple of other Championship teams who had shown an interest in taking him but fortunately we have got him.

"He's a good passer, he's got plenty of energy, he's a good size for a young lad, he'll come into it tomorrow and we are looking forward to working with him. It's an area which I said we have needed to strengthen, we've got Richard Chaplow still injured so I am pleased to get him on board, he's a good one for us."