Preston North End striker Connor Simpson has joined League One side Accrington Stanley on loan, the Championship outfit have confirmed.

The 19-year-old, who joined Preston from National League side Hartlepool United in January 2018, is now set to spend the rest of the current season at the Wham Stadium.

Since making his move to Preston, Simpson has featured just once for Alex Neil's side, with the striker spending the second half of last season on loan in League Two with Carlisle United.

Simpson's move does, however, mean that Preston may now be somewhat short on options up front, with David Nugent yet to return to full fitness and Louis Moult set to miss the rest of the season due to injury.

Despite that, Preston have enjoyed an encouraging start to the season, with three wins and a draw from their opening six league games of the season, leaving them seventh in the early Championship standings.

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Accrington meanwhile sit 20th in League One following their first win of the season over MK Dons on Saturday, and are next in league action when they face Bristol Rovers this weekend.

The Verdict

This is an interesting one.

Usually, I would be inclined to suggest that a move such as this would be a good one for Simpson, given the lack of first-team opportunities he has enjoyed so far at Preston.

However, due to the current concerns around the numbers Preston have up front, I do wonder whether they have taken a slight risk here in allowing Simpson to go out on loan.

Even so, this move could still benefit Simpson, who may find the more gradual progression to Championship level easier than simply being thrown in at the deep end with Preston this season.