Former Dundalk defender Andy Boyle joins Ross County on loan from Preston

Republic of Ireland international Andy Boyle has joined Scottish Championship side Ross County on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Preston North End player spent the first half of the season on loan with Dundee in the Scottish Premiership, where he made 13 appearances and scored one goal.

The Staggies are currently top of the Scottish Championship, just three points ahead of Ayr United, having finished bottom of the Premiership last year.

The former Dundalk defender had been linked with a move back to the League of Ireland during this transfer window, but this loan move has ruled out that possibility.

The 27-year-old has only made a handful of appearances for Preston since signing in January 2017, alongside Dundalk teammate Daryl Horgan, and his contract is set to expire this summer.