[themaclad]

Preston North End are delighted to announce the signing of Jamal Lewis on a short-term deal.

The left-sided defender has put pen to paper on a contract at Deepdale which will run until 30th December 2025.

The Northern Ireland international arrives with plenty of experience, including a promotion out of the Championship with Norwich City and 39 caps for his country.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “We’ve been struck by a few injuries which has made the squad look a bit thin, so we felt we needed more cover in the short-term and I’m really happy we’ve been able to bring in someone of Jamal’s calibre.

“He brings experience of playing at the highest level, he’s earned promotion out of this division, and he’s been playing international football since 2018.

“Most importantly he’s shown us he’s really excited by the opportunity and he’s ready to give everything while he’s with us.”

Jamal’s career began with Norwich City, where he would go on to really make his mark in the 2018/19 campaign, helping the Canaries to achieve promotion to the Premier League while also being named in the EFL Team of the Season.

The defender then earned a move to Newcastle United where he would go on to make 36 appearances, with some of his time with the Magpies spent out on loan with Watford and Brazilian giants São Paulo.

Jamal will now spend the next two months as a PNE player and will be in contention to make his debut against Southampton this weekend.

Jamal said: “I'm really excited. I’m really grateful for the opportunity and just ready and raring to go, to be honest.

“I spoke to the manager. Obviously he knows of me and my running power, what I can give to any team that I play for. I think how the team plays should suit me and I should be able to gel with the team quite well. I just want to be able to get as much knowledge and information and get everything moving as quickly as possible so I can just help as much as I can.”