Sean O'Driscoll: 'Neil Kilkenny will not return to Bristol City'

Bristol City head coach Sean O'Driscoll has admitted that midfielder Neil Kilkenny will leave the club permanently in January.

The 27-year-old, who has made just five appearances for the Robins this season, completed a loan move to Preston North End on Thursday.

O'Driscoll has revealed that he will be looking to move Kilkenny on in the New Year.

"I think it's been well documented that I felt I couldn't use him as part of the squad, so I'm trying to do the same as with Liam Fontaine and get him some games somewhere," O'Driscoll told the club's official website.

"We're in the throes of trying to do a deal on Neil's contract in the January window, so that looks like it will happen.

"That will be after his loan, so his contract will be cancelled. Something might pop up at Preston if he can force his way in to Simon's team, but if not at least it puts him in the shop window."

Kilkenny will be reunited with Preston boss Simon Grayson, who managed him at Leeds United.