Preston offloaded Graham Burke on deadline day, sending him on loan to Gillingham until the end of the season.
A £250,000 summer signing from Shamrock Rovers, Burke appeared a peculiar signing for North End.
His stint with Aston Villa didn’t give him much success, and neither did dropping down to Notts County.
Burke’s best spell came with Shamrock Rovers, scoring 23 goals in 49 games to attract North End’s interest.
However, the 25-year-old made just 15 appearances under Alex Neil and scored twice, finding himself down the North End pecking order.
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After being substituted twice at half time over the Christmas and New Year period, it was clear Burke wasn’t in favour.
On deadline day, North End found Burke a new club, sending him on loan to Gillingham until the summer.
Burke immediately started for Gillingham, playing 90 minutes in their 1-1 draw at Coventry City.
After the game, Gills striker Tom Eaves – a Preston target according to Sky Sports – gave his verdict on Burke.
Eaves hailed Burke, suggesting he’s a great addition to the Gillingham side and was unlucky not to score.
Burke appears to have made a great start at Gillingham, but he is unlikely to force himself back in at Preston.
League One may be Burke’s level, and if he can play well and increase his value, just as Eoin Doyle did, then North End would surely love to sell him on this summer.