Ben Woodburn opens up on Liverpool exit and bond with Preston North End fans

The 22-year-old joined North End this summer having spent a week on trial with the club, scoring in their first friendly against Bamber Bridge.

The Welshman burst on to the scene early in his career with the Reds, becoming their youngest ever goalscorer and the second youngest ever for Wales – behind only Gareth Bale – netting for both at 17.

He had a few loans away from Anfield but never broke back into Jurgan Klopp’s first-team picture after his fast start on Merseyside, ultimately departing at the start of the month.

He said: “It was probably the first time I've ever been like that, where I've had to go on trial anywhere.

"It's maybe even brought another side, that I didn't know I had, out of me.

“I'm just trying to keep that up and take it into every game, that desire for the ball and to win and everything like that.

“I feel like I've had a lot of things happen in my career anyway and this is just another step.

"I've just got to keep building, keep playing well and the rest will take care of itself.”

Wooburn has had a bit of a busy time of it since joining North End, playing against Brig before signing, then swiftly jetting off to their Spain training camp in Alicante.

He was joined by hundreds of North End supporters and feels that the bond between the fans and players have could play a big part moving forward.

He said: “The fans were crazy, that shocked.

"It shows how big the club is and how good the fans' support is.

“I can't wait to play at Deepdale now.

"It has all been a bit different so far and I'm just looking forward to every game.

“It's been really nice, it's good to see that they're behind us all.

“The bond between the team and the fans is important.

“As long as we can keep winning, keep playing well then they'll stay behind us.”