Preston North End have made their first signing of the 2013 January transfer window, signing free agent Joe Garner on an 18-month contract.

The 24-year-old had his contract cancelled at Watford and the Lilywhites moved quickly to sign him on a deal until at least the summer of 2014, with the option of a further year.

Garner joined the Hornets from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2011 and has spent the majority of this season on loan at Carlisle United.

The Blackburn-born striker has been handed the No.14 shirt and will be available for selection for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie against Coventry City.