PRESTON new boy Brian McBride was sleeping off jet lag yesterday but boss David Moyes hope's he is flying high tomorrow.

The American striker goes straight into the squad for the visit of struggling Stockport County, wearing the number nine shirt, after sealing his six month loan deal from MLS club Columbus Crew.

"I'm looking forward to having him here. He looks good in training and will be in the squad of 16," confirmed the North End chief.

"Brian's here for six months, we would like it to be longer term but we can't do any business yet as the MLS aren't willing to sell him."

The 28-year-old is what Moyes describes as 'a big strong centre forward.'

"He is powerful in the air, hard working and a good team players. He's scored goals for Columbus Crew and in the national side and we're hoping he'll do the same here."

Meanwhile, McBride is ready to start his spell in England after a tough season at home. "I think that Preston are very ambitious and from what I've seen so far the club has some great players and a good coach. I'm here to help out and hopefully I can.

"I hope I can benefit the team with some of my attributes. I will be looking for good balls into the box, but I'm not going to try and take anything away from the team, I hope to add something positive.

"It has been a long season, so I will have to be careful about fatigue. But but I had a break when I unfortunately fractured my cheekbone, so that could be good for me.

"I am ready and raring to go when given the opportunity."

Preston are unbeaten so far at Deepdale and will be looking to extend that record against Andy Kilner's side who have had a dismal start to the season.

Moyes has no real injury worries for tomorrow although it's still a doubt whether David Lucas will retain the number one spot or Tepi Moilanen will return after his back injury.

"Tepi's back is improving all the time," confirmed Moyes.

Squad: Moilanen, Lucas, Murdock, Edwards, Gregan, Jackson, Alexander, Rankine, McKenna, Anderson, Appleton, Macken, Basham, McBride, Gunlaugsson, Kidd, Robinson, Parkisnon, Eyres.