Celtic-linked Alex Neil has left Preston North End.

The former Hamilton boss has been talked about in Hoops circles this season following Neil Lennon's resignation.

And the Lily Whites confirmed today they had parted ways with the Scot. They released a statement via social media.

It read: "Preston North End Football Club can confirm that it has today parted with the services of its Manager, Alex Neil.

"Alex joined the club in the summer of 2017 and he leaves us with our thanks and very best wishes for the future.

"It is the intention that Frankie McAvoy will take up the position of interim Head Coach and work with Steve Thompson, Mike Pollitt and Paul Gallagher in taking the team for the remaining eight games of the season."

Neil, 39, leaves Preston 16th in the English Championship table following a 1-0 home defeat to Luton Town yesterday.

Celtic hero Chris Sutton has touted former Norwich City manager Neil for the Parkhead role, commenting: "Alex Neil is another one", after initially discussing Burnley manager Sean Dyche's suitability.

“He gets a bit of a bashing at times for the job he does at Preston but I don’t see them as a team with a budget up there with the teams who are going to push for promotion.

“They play a decent brand of football, he’s an organiser and knows the Scottish game.”