Premier ambitions ways St Ledger’s Boro decision

REPUBLIC of Ireland defender Sean St Ledger has revealed a desire to play in the Premier League and his dream of appearing in next year’s World Cup convinced him to swap Preston for Middlesbrough.

The 24-year-old completed his loan move, with a view to making the deal permanent in January on Tuesday before making his Boro debut a 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday that night.

He said leaving Preston as the ‘‘saddest day of his football career’’ but said he felt Gareth Southgate’s men had a better chance of reaching the Premier League than North End.