The midfielder is on loan at Preston North End for the season
Preston North End loan man Harrison Armstrong has wasted no time in making a fine impression on his captain.
Ben Whiteman partnered the 18-year-old in midfield in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Hull City. It was Armstrong’s full debut for PNE, whom he joined on a season-long deal from Everton on transfer deadline day.
Prior to that, the England youth international had made substitute appearances against Middlesbrough, Derby County and Bristol City. Armstrong went off with cramp after 81 minutes but only went up in the skipper’s estimations.
“Yeah, he's going to be a proper player,” Whiteman told the Post. “I said it to him straight away when I first saw him. Really rangey, he's got that athleticism, he's got the passing range and he's got a proper football head on him as well.
“So, yeah, I give him a little bit of stick but I know he's going to be a proper player. The fans should be definitely excited, especially Everton fans as well - they've got a proper player on their hands.
“His knowledge of the game is excellent. Even his understanding on the pitch. I think, when you are that age, maybe you can't really see it in terms of when you're watching the game.
“But his football brain is definitely right up there, especially at the age that he is now. He's only 18... even watching his maturity on the ball as well, his decision-making, he's going to be a proper, proper player.”
Armstrong’s arrival has significantly boosted competition in the middle of the park for Preston. Ali McCann, Stefan Thordarson and Mads Frokjaer were all on the bench last time out while Brad Potts and Jordan Thompson are to return from injury.
“That's the way it should be, I think,” said Whiteman. “If you look at successful teams, you need competition for places. You want lads training properly and wanting to get the shirt, really. As I mentioned last season, I had that month where I wasn't great and Steffi coming in was excellent.
“You've got to bide your time and work hard - as everyone has done. The lads who haven't been playing, they've been superb in training. They're definitely pushing the lads who are starting as well. As I mentioned, it's a massive squad game. We've got a great set of lads in there.”
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