Everton allowed Harrison Armstrong to leave on loan and join Preston North End on deadline day.
Having spent the international break away with the England U19s squad, Armstrong has now finally met up with his new team.
David Moyes was left with a big decision to make over the summer as to where Armstrong would play his football.
Armstrong was keen to fight for a place at Everton, but the writing was on the wall for another loan to the Championship.
Having signed Merlin Rohl on deadline day, the 18-year-old was pushed to join Preston to pick up some regular minutes.
It is believed some inside Everton did not agree with Armstrong’s exit, with a strong belief he should have remained on Merseyside.
Armstrong has now broken his silence about the move to Deepdale.
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What Harrison Armstrong said after leaving Everton for Preston North End loan
Last season, Armstrong shone on loan at Derby County, which led to strong interest from the Championship over the summer.
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This will raise the expectations on the midfielder this season, having already tasted what Championship football is like.
Speaking to the Preston North End website, Armstrong has shared his excitement to get started at the weekend against Middlesbrough.
“I can’t wait to get involved and play in front of all the fans,” he said.
“I’m here for game time, to impress and show myself off. I want to do everything I can to help the club win as many games as possible. Hopefully, you’re able to see what I can bring.
“Ever since I first spoke to Preston it didn’t really seem like any other club was going to come near. Obviously, I had other clubs and places I’d been before, but I think I was quite certain on Preston and I’m really happy to be here.”
Armstrong impressed his Everton teammates during the pre-season having been given the nickname ‘Hollywood’ for the flair shown in training.
However, he will now have to showcase his talent in the second tier, but Moyes will surely keep a close eye on him again.
Paul Heckingbottom excited about Armstrong’s signing
Moyes regularly scouted Armstrong during his loan stint at Pride Park last season.
There will be more focus on the 18-year-old this time around, with a lot of Championship clubs well aware of the quality he possesses.
Heckingbottom also added his excitement about the move, with Preston currently sitting in ninth spot of the Championship.
“He’ll improve us and yeah, he’s got to obviously settle – I don’t know what his ceiling is – but I just see someone who is really driven, got a really good all-round game, physically he’s excellent as well,” he said.
“So, who knows what type of player we’ve got there? He could be a big big player for Everton, never mind for us, so we were excited to get him and get working with him.”