Leeds United have signed Preston central defender Neil Collins on loan after ruling out central defender Patrick Kisnorbo for the rest of the season.

Australian international defender Kisnorbo, who is 29 today, suffered a severe Achilles tendon injury in the 2-0 home defeat against Millwall on Monday night and his dream of going to the World Cup with Australia this summer is almost certainly over.

With the emergency loan transfer deadline due to end tomorrow Grayson moved quickly to snap up Collins, 26, who joined Preston from Wolves for £600,000 in January.

Grayson said: “I am absolutely gutted for the Paddy. His dream was to play in the World Cup and it looks like that dream has been shattered. Unfortunately, he picked up a severe Achilles injury which will rule him out for the rest of the season and probably the World Cup as well. It is a huge blow for Paddy, who has been a real warrior for us this season.

“I am pleased to bring in Neil Collins, who has plenty of experience at Sunderland, Wolves and Preston. He is someone I have admired for a long time.”

Leigh Bromby filled in at centre back after Kisnorbo was carried off in the sixth minute against Millwall and Lubo Michalik adds further cover for the Australian, who has been one of United’s most consistent players this season.

United are still considering extending Shane Lowry’s loan from Aston Villa until the end of the season after he returned to Villa Park early with a knee injury. It is believed the injury has almost cleared up and, although Lowry’s eight appearances for United so far have been at left back, he is a specialist central defender.

Rui Marques could also come into the reckoning, though his last appearance for the first team was on August 29 and he went on to pick up an injury at the African Cup of Nations with Angola.

Saturday’s visit to leaders Norwich is followed by a home game against promotion-chasing Swindon on Saturday, April 3, so Kisnorbo’s injury could hardly have happened at a worse time.

Second-placed United have taken just 15 points from the last 42 and are now just three points ahead of third-placed Millwall, though with a superior goal difference.

Grayson added: “We are still in a good position, three points clear in second place with nine games to go, and hopefully my team will respond in a positive manner between now and the end of the season.

“The players have to look at themselves and think what they can do to affect games more and we have to do the same as a staff.

“You have to roll your sleeves up and anyone who doesn’t want to do that might as well disappear out of the football club. I want people with character and quality to take this club back up. I have a firm belief that we will still do that.”

Grayson is hoping Jermaine Beckford will recover in time to face Norwich after missing the game against Millwall with a hamstring injury.