Gould joins Preston

Gould found himself out of favour at Celtic

Preston manager Craig Brown has completed the signing of Celtic goalkeeper Jonathan Gould on a one-and-a-half year deal.

The 34-year-old, who joins on a free transfer, is the second player to join the Lilywhites from Celtic Park this week after striker Simon Lynch made the move.

Lynch joins Preston

"Jonathan was in the (Scotland) World Cup squad in France 1998 and has got considerable presence", Brown told the club's official website.

"He has also got organisational capabilities, he is a winner and he oozes confidence and assurance."

Preston have been looking for goalkeeping cover since David Lucas suffered a hamstring injury in the New Year's Day defeat at Stoke City.

Brown added: "Jonathan will supplement the goalkeeping provision we have here.

"But we don't want him to hinder the progress of our younger goalkeepers."

Talking to the BBC, Gould said: "I wanted the opportunity to play first team football and I've been restricted in the last 18 months at Celtic.

"I know Craig Brown and that was a big factor for me.

"The manager believes in me as a goalkeeper and that gives you an extra two or three inches in your stride."