'I can't wait to get going' - new striker Smith

New Preston North End signing Michael Smith says he "can't wait to get going" following his move from Sheffield Wednesday earlier this week.

The 33-year-old left the Owls after his contract was ended by "mutual consent" along with former team-mate Josh Windass, who has subsequently moved to Wrexham.

Smith scored for Wednesday against Preston in a 1-1 draw at Hillsborough last December and is looking forward to reuniting with head coach Paul Heckingbottom, who he also worked with during a loan spell at Barnsley in 2015-16.

"Even at my age, with my experience, it's still always a little bit nerve-wracking coming into a new club but it seems like a good group to be a part of," Smith told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"The settling in period comes and goes really quickly. I'm going to have to play catch up a little bit but I've managed to get some runs in so I can't wait to get going.

"Obviously I've played under the manager before so I sort of know how he works. I want to come here and keep trying to get better even at my age.

"I know I've missed the pre-season trip so I'll be spending a lot of time getting to know the squad and on the training ground - hopefully it stands us in good stead come August.

"I've never had a good game there [at Deepdale] as an away player so I'm looking to change that but it's always been a stadium I've enjoyed playing at."