Mick McCarthy today paid tribute to defender Neill Collins who has completed a permanent move from Wolves to Preston.

Neill had spent the last four months on loan at Deepdale, and has now put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year contract to make the move up the M6 for an undisclosed fee.

Ironically it's three years to the day since he followed up a loan spell at Wolves by making his move to Molineux permanent from Sunderland.

Neill had previously played under Mick at Sunderland, and the Wolves boss wishes him all the best in his future career.

"Neill made a significant contribution to the club during his time here and played a major part in our Championship success last season," said Mick.

"We all know what a whole-hearted and committed player he is and how he never gave anything less than 100 per cent every time he stepped out on the pitch.

"Even when he wasn't involved over the second half of last season, he was still the consummate professional, training as hard as ever and playing his part in the squad.

"I can completely understand his need to play regular football, and I am sure everyone at the club would join me in wishing him all the best at Preston."

The Troon-born 26-year-old, a Scotland 'B' international, made 97 appearances in Wolves colours during his three years at the club, notching ten goals of which five were decisive in terms of being 'winners'.

He appeared in exactly half of the fixtures as Wolves won the Championship title last season, more than enough to secure him a medal, even though he didn't figure again after his January dismissal at Reading.

That wasn't the end of his Wolves career though, as his one appearance this season in the Carling Cup tie with Swindon, gave him the opportunity for a fitting send-off as he struck home the penalty which proved decisive in the 6-5 shootout win.

Neill's reaction to making his move permanent and leaving Wolves will follow shortly.