Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile plan set out by Preston North End boss amid pre-season questions
PNE boss discusses two of the Lilywhites’ young players
Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe says it’s down to Kacper Pasiek to keep impressing in pre-season.
The young left back was a stand out performer on Wednesday night, as PNE saw off Bamber Bridge 3-0 at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium. Pasiek, a first year pro at Preston, was dynamic and dangerous down the left flank. This time last year, Kian Best forced his way into the first team picture - straight out of the academy. Lowe says that has to be the motivation for Pasiek and co.
“Well the plan can be his plan, can’t it?” said Lowe. “It’s like anything... you look at Besty. We didn’t have a plan for Besty. We extended his scholarship by another year, to give him an opportunity - along with KT (Kian Taylor) and Kitt (Nelson). KT had a tough time with injury. He broke his arm and was out for 12 months, which was horrible for the kid really.
“Kitt came in, did really well, went out on loan and did well - and has been up and down with us. And Besty shone, so this year is the same with the third year scholars. Kacper has really shone a little bit. So far, so good. He has got to produce that against league teams, so it will be interesting to see the next few games - and whether he can sustain that.
“But, he has definitely got some attributes and some ability as you can see. He’s 6ft1, big, strong, powerful, can control the ball, run with the ball and great attitude. So listen, destiny is in their own hands. All I can do is give them opportunities. We’ve seen he’s a good player, given him some and hopefully he can take them.”
Another young player being asked about over pre-season is Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile. The Argentina youth international was involved with the senior squad last summer - and he has signed a professional contract at Deepdale until 2026. The youngster is still only a second-year scholar though and for now, Rodriguez-Gentile is with his age group.
“Yeah, he was with us for the first week of pre-season,” said Lowe. “Him, Kaedyn Kamara, Kitt and Cole (McGhee) - who is another good asset. But, we felt it was right for them to go back for a week while we were in Spain. And then, us getting back and having the games so fast, they are not really needed as such just yet. But, the more pre-season minutes they can get with the kids, they are still part of our plans.
“They are still on contracts with us and maybe for Felipe, this season, is to potentially get him out on loan somewhere - to play some competitive football. It would hopefully be in the league, because I think our youngsters now need to go to league football. Because, one I think they are good enough and two, they need opportunities for us to see whether they are going to be good enough for North End in years to come.”