Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom has spoken excitedly about the arrival of new midfielder Harrison Armstrong.
Preston North End completed a deadline day deal for Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong, bringing him to PNE for the season.
Armstrong, 18, has been with Everton since 2012 and was linked with a host of Championship clubs after a successful loan spell at Derby County last season. He made 15 appearances and scored one goal, with his impressive displays prompting Blackburn Rovers interest, while the Rams eyed a deal to bring him back too.
Mansfield Town's Will Evans in action with Everton's Harrison Armstrong
Image courtesy of: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.
Preston North End boss Heckingbottom is pleased to have got the deal over the line. Upon the Armstrong deal, he told the official club website:
“Harrison is a special talent who we’re really excited to be bringing on board.
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“There were a number of clubs after him and he’s been doing so well that we weren’t sure if Everton would keep him around for the Premier League season.
“It’s great for us that they’ve decided this is the best place for him to be right now. He’s got real quality and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Harrison Armstrong a welcome midfield addition for Preston North End
Preston North End have signed Armstrong to boost their midfield options, an area where they needed more depth before the window’s end.
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The England U18 international, who has eight caps under his belt, has also played eight times for Everton’s first-team. He gained two assists in Merseysiders’ 2-0 victory over Mansfield Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong looks on
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
He spent the second half of last season at Pride Park with Derby County and was a hit during his time there, warranting praise from Rams boss John Eustace for his maturity during his time at the club. Upon his return to the Toffees, the midfielder enjoyed a full pre-season with David Moyes’ squad, and the possibility of him staying and maintaining a senior role was considered.
Harrison Armstrong’s career stats – via Transfermarkt
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The month ahead for Preston North End
Preston North End will hope Armstrong can settle in quickly. PNE will be eager to see him pick up were he left off in the Championship as he adapts to life at Deepdale.
Heckingbottom’s men were beaten 1-0 at Fratton Park by Portsmouth last time out, entering the international break with their first loss of the campaign.
As such, the Lilywhites will put this week to good use, getting new players further settled and embedded into life at Deepdale under Heckingbottom’s lead. In their return to action, they face a home game against a Middlesborough who have maximum points from their first four games.
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Heckingbottom’s side then face a trip to Pride Park, as Armstrong comes up against his old side Derby County. A second home game of September then pits them against an unbeaten Bristol City team, pitting them against former star Emil Riis.
Their final game of September is an away trip to Hull City, with the East Yorkshire side making 13 signings in the summer transfer window.