Cort to remain at Deepdale

Last updated : 26 January 2011 By Tony Scholes
Leon Cort
Cort joined Preston towards the end of November on an emergency loan when Darren Ferguson was still in charge at Deepdale. That deal was extended and he's played five games in the centre of the worst defence in the Championship.

He's certainly done something right. Preston were averaging more than two goals conceded per game but in the five games with Cort in the side they've conceded only three goals and have been unbeaten.

Such has been his form that new manager Phil Brown was keen to keep him at Preston beyond the maximum period of 93 days for a short term loan and earlier today Burnley confirmed that the loan has now been extended as a long term loan until the end of the season.

Cort has played just four league games for the Clarets this season after coming on as a substitute for the injured Andre Bikey at Millwall. The last of them ended early when he was sent off in the 4-0 home defeat against Reading.

He's made a total of 20 appearances for Burnley since signing from Stoke a year ago tomorrow but, with today's news, his time at Turf Moor looks to be coming to an end. It would be no surprise to see a deal agreed with Preston to take him permanently in the summer.