Greg Cunningham says he has unfinished business with Preston North End after joining on loan for the rest of the season.
Capped four times, the Ireland international moves from Championship rivals Cardiff City who are now managed by Mick McCarthy.
The Galway man made 111 appearances for Preston during a three-year spell between 2015 and 2018.
But left-back Cunningham, 29, made just six appearances in all competitions for the Bluebirds this season and jumped at the chance to rejoin his old club.
Cunningham said: “I’m excited. The move to Cardiff probably didn’t go as planned, but that’s football sometimes. When Preston came in, it was a no brainer.
“It happened relatively quickly and I’m looking forward to getting back in amongst it with the boys and getting ready for the weekend.”
Once with Manchester City, Cunningham could face Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday and continued: “There is unfinished business here.
“It has probably been the best time of my career at this club and I want to get back to those times again, get playing games and repay the club.
“I’m feeling good and feeling fresh. I had limited game time, other than the loan spell at Blackburn, but I feel I have a lot to give.”
Sitting 11th in the Championship, Preston are six points off the playoff spots and Cunningham said: “We’re expecting a big second half of the season.
“I want to get cracking, really enjoy playing my football again, get some wins under our belt and push up the table.
“This league is so competitive, but it’s important that we hit the ground running at the weekend and get on a good run and see where it takes us.”
