Promising Preston midfielder Jack Baxter joins Cork City on loan

Cork City have signed midfielder Jack Baxter on loan from Preston North End.

The 20-year-old ball playing midfielder joins Colin Healy’s side looking to have his first real experience of senior men’s football. 

 “It’s a big club and a good opportunity for me, so I want to do everything I can to help the team to get back to the Premier Division,” he told the club’s media team, “Everyone I have asked has said such good things about the club, and I am really looking forward to getting started.

“I am a ball-playing midfielder; I like to get on the ball, pass it and help the team build and move up the pitch. I work hard and I hope I can play my part in the team doing well. Colin told me about the club, about the team that he is building and the season ahead, and it got me excited to come over here and take the opportunity.”

City boss Colin Healy said: “There is obviously a good relationship between ourselves and Preston. We spoke to them and they made us aware that there was a possibility of bringing Jack in on loan, so we had a look at some footage and had a chat with him. We think he is a player who will add to our squad, and when we spoke to him, he was really keen to come over. He’s a good lad and he wanted to get the chance to play some first team football, so it is a good opportunity for him. He is young and hungry to play, so he will fit in well with the group we have here.”

Preston manager Alex Neil welcomed the loan move for Baxter, with the Preston boss telling Lancs Live: “Delighted for Jack, I think some of the younger lads have found themselves in a really difficult situation. When you go from Cat 3 to first-team men's football - there has to be a balance, you can't put under-18s in and expect to go and beat Watford. If that was the case everybody would do it. I'm delighted for Jack to get out and get some games. The loan market this season has been tough for our young players.”

The Rebel Army will open their 2021 First Division campaign on the 26th of March with a home tie against local rivals Cobh Ramblers.