Consistency of performance is the key for Josh Harrop says Preston North End boss Alex Neil

The attacking midfielder has put pen to paper on a new deal which will keep him at North End until the summer of 2023.

The former Manchester United youngster – who made one first-team appearance for the Red Devils – has shown plenty of flashes of is undoubted quality in the three years he has been at Deepdale.

Admittedly a serious knee injury – sustained in 2018 – kept him on the sidelines for nearly a year and hindered his progress.

But he returned at the start of the 2019-20 to play a role in the club’s battle to achieve a play-off place, although many of his appearances came from off the bench.

Now Neil has urged the 24-year-old to become a regular fixture in the first XI.

“I think he has got to be more consistent with his game,” said Neil.

“What we have seen from Josh is on his day, he is very, very effective but I think for any forward-going player, you have got to have those days more often than not.

“We need that level of consistency. I think Josh is tenacious and he has got a good work ethic.

“His understanding of his defensive responsibilities for the team are certainly improving.

“I think the main thing for your front players is to make sure they influence the game.

“You need to have shots on target, you need to have crosses, you need to have opportunities created, goals scored.

“To be fair, Josh’s goal tally in the minutes that he had last year was good but equally so was Daniel Johnson’s, so was Tom Barkhuizen’s.

“We had quite a number of players that sort of stepped up in that regard.”

Harrop will be hoping to get the nod to feature from the start for the first competitive fixture of the 2020-21 season tomorrow.

North End welcome League Two outfit Mansfield Town to Deepdale in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

Neil has confirmed that goalkeeper Declan Rudd will miss the encounter through injury.

The shotstopper has not played in either of the pre-season fixtures against Salford City and Tranmere Rovers and Connor Ripley is likely to deputise.

Neil also revealed that full-back Darnell Fisher will not feature against the Stags.

“I don’t think Declan will be out for too long but there are two other goalkeepers who are wanting an opportunity, “ said Neil.

“I don’t think Darnell will make it but like Declan, it’s certainly not going to be long term.”