HIGHLY-rated Ian Anderson landed in Preston this week, and wants to stay for as long as possible.

The 22-year-old winger has arrived on loan from Toulouse until the end of the season, and has high hopes of making his debut for Preston against Gillingham on Saturday.

PNE had hoped he would play during Saturday's game at Bury, but bizarre French rules meant he had to watch from the stands.

Speaking to the Citizen yesterday, Anderson, said: "It was a shame I wasn't able to play on Saturday but we had a horrendous time trying to get my international clearance papers signed.

"I came here last week, and then had to fly back just to sign three pieces of paper. It was daft, but at least I am here now."

But missing Saturday was a blessing in disguise, as it gave him a chance to shake off a groin injury, and discover the North End fans in action.

He said: "They were great. To be in Division Two and getting crowds of 13,000 is fantastic. I am glad to be here but know I have to prove myself if I want to stay here." The former Dundee player has been tracked in the past by Celtic and Rangers, but his switch to Deepdale came as a total surprise to Anderson, even though Moyes made a move for his fellow Scot in the summer.

He said: "I found out about the trial on the Saturday and was in Preston on the Sunday. It is a great set-up here, and the lads have been great.

"They are doing tremendously well and it is up to me to push my way into the side and then prove I am good enough to stay here.

"Before I got here, all I knew about North End was the division they were in and who the manager was. But to be here is great. I think being on the bench is realistic for Saturday."

This weekend, old foes Gillingham return to Deepdale. Despite the fact they are eighth in the table, a victory over the team that knocked North End out of last season's play-offs will taste sweet.

Manager Moyes will probably field an unchanged side, with none of his injury-stricken players ready to make a return to the first team. Kurt Nogan is close to being selected to start, while Lee Cartwright is making progress.

David Lucas will probably take a place on the bench after recovering from a training knock, as will Steve Basham, who could yet provide the key to North End's prolonged success as the season enters the home run.

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