CHESTER City have signed midfielder Michael Brown on loan from Preston North End.

Brown, 24, has been a regular in the Deepdale club's reserve side this season, and has also figured as a substitute for the first team.

Chester manager Ian Rush said: "Michael is an attacking midfield player, who reminds me a lot of Terry McDermott.

"His signing will give us a big boost, he works hard and is a welcome addition to our playing squad."

Brown has been allowed by Preston to sign on loan until the end of the season.

Chester wing-back Kevin McIntyre, meanwhile, will join Macclesfield later today, providing the former Doncaster man passes a medical and can agree personal terms.

City are expecting a bumper crowd for their Boxing Day match against League Two leaders Scunthorpe United at the Saunders Honda Stadium.

City welcome back Kevin Ellison following suspension, Michael Branch should have recovered from his hamstring injury and be fit to play, while Dave Bayliss and Ian Hillier will make their home debuts.

A crowd of about 4,000 is expected.