Sylvan Ebanks-Blake given time to earn Preston North End contract

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake had a five-year association with Wolves after joining from Plymouth Argyle in 2008

Former Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake will be given time to earn a contract with League One side Preston North End, says manager Simon Grayson.

Ebanks-Blake has been without a club since being released by Ipswich in May.

The 28-year-old has so far failed to win a deal after trial spells at other Football League clubs.

"We have said 'you can stay as long as you want because we want a striker and you are looking for a club'," Grayson told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"He is a good player. If we can get him fit and see enough about him, then we could have an excellent signing on our hands."

Ebanks-Blake made just two starts during his six-month spell with Ipswich last term, having joined Mick McCarthy's side as a free agent following his departure from Wolves, where he scored 64 goals in 193 games.

The ex-Manchester United trainee and Plymouth Argyle man has been training with North End for 10 days.

Grayson, who recently lost top scorer Joe Garner to long-term injury, continued: "We will look at him for as long as we need to. It is a nice opportunity for him to get some fitness work, for us to look at him, for him look at us and then see where it goes.

"When they have the pedigree that Sylvan has, it is too good an opportunity because it is a no-lose situation for anybody."