PRESTON North End's Jon Macken is more eager to find the back of the net after signing a new four-year deal.

The ten-goal hit man, whose side travelled to West Brom today, said: "I only signed a new contract at the end of last season and I am proud to sign again.

"Hopefully, I can put a little bit more back into the club and we can go on and do well this season. The club's going in the right direction and it will be a fantastic achievement if we can get into the play-offs."

The 23-year-old, who signed from Manchester United for £250,000 in the summer of 1997, has committed himself to Preston until the end of 2004.

Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: "We are delighted to secure the services of such a talented player for such an extended period of time.

"Jon had two years left to run on his current deal, which would have taken him to the end of 2002, but the club thought it only right to step in and offer him a new contract after continued media speculation about his future and given the interest of other clubs.

"This is also testimony to David Moyes and Preston, that a player of Jon's talent is prepared to commit his foreseeable future to the club."