Harrison Armstrong interview
The Everton loan man scored his first goal for PNE against Wrexham
Harrison Armstrong would be delighted to spend the full season at Preston North End.
The Lilywhites completed a transfer deadline day loan swoop for the Everton midfielder. It didn’t take him long to force his way into Paul Heckingbottom’s starting lineup. After a short spell out through injury, Armstrong returned to action last weekend and scored his first goal for PNE.
A few days prior, Toffees boss David Moyes - who of course has ties to North End - was asked about the potential of recalling Armstrong given the rave reviews from Deepdale. He couldn’t rule it out but implied he would like to see the England youth international remain at Preston for the full campaign.
When asked about that, Armstrong told the Lancashire Post: “Well, I think it's out of my hands. Whatever decision is made, I just hope it's the best for my development. I'd love to stay here and contribute to a season. Hopefully, we can get in and amongst the play-offs but like I said, I'm just leaving it to the hands of the people who control it and just getting on with my football.”
Heading into Tuesday night’s clash against league leaders Coventry City, Armstrong has made 12 league appearances - eight starts - for North End. Heckingbottom recently spoke in glowing termsabout the midfielder. On the back of a stint with Derby County last season, Armstrong feels he’s getting everything he wanted out of the loan.
“Yeah, I think there's plenty more to improve on,” said Armstrong. “I'm definitely not the complete player who has everything. There's definitely areas I can improve and definitely things I want to get better at. I think it's a tough league, there's some really good players in the opposition that I'm coming up against each week, and it's a good way to test myself.”
Everton made the call to loan Armstrong out very late in the summer window. He has already made eight appearances for the first team and would like to be challenging for regular game time in the top flight next season.
“I think so, yeah,” said Armstrong. “I just want to play at the top level where I'm getting tested and I think, if the time comes at the end of the season where I'm at that level and I'm ready for it, I don't see why not. I just want to push myself and maximise my ability and hopefully, one day I can say that I'm a regular in the Premier League.”
The personality of Armstrong, on and off the pitch, is something Heckingbottom has pointed out a couple of times. His demeanour on the pitch is of someone who oozes self-belief. As far as inspiration in that regard goes, the midfielder gave credit to someone close to his heart.
“I'd say I've always been a confident player and a confident kid, but I think my older brother plays as well and seeing him go through the Football League and experiences, it really does help me,” said Armstrong. “To have someone like that who can give you advice, look after you and put their arm around you is really important, and I suppose that gives me confidence.”
As far as Preston’s midweek assignment against Frank Lampard’s side goes, the teenager is relishing the encounter. Given the talent within the group, Armstrong firmly believes the squad is confident of going toe-to-toe with any team.
“Yeah, I think so,” said Armstrong. “They're a really good team. They've got really good players but so are we, I think. We back ourselves and we're happy to test ourselves against the best at the minute.”
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