Jordan Storey is pushing hard for a start in Preston North End's defence

Jordan Storey says there is a strong competitive edge within Preston North End’s squad in the battle for a place in the starting XI.
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PNE kick off the season on Saturday against Swansea at Deepdale and competition for places in certain positions is pretty strong.

Storey will be vying with Ben Davies, Patrick Bauer and Paul Huntington for a place at the heart of the back four.

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For much of last season it was Bauer and Davies who were paired as the centre-backs.

Preston North End defender Jordan Storey challenges Oliie WatkinsPreston North End defender Jordan Storey challenges Oliie Watkins
Preston North End defender Jordan Storey challenges Oliie Watkins

In the latter stages though, Storey got his chance and certainly took it. The former Exeter City defender has carried that form into pre-season and cannot be far away from a start.

Storey said: “The manager has got the luxury of two players for every position.

“We’ve got that depth, everyone is eager and wants to be in the side.

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“If you get your chance in the team, you’ve got to take it to stay in the side.”

Jordan Storey in action during PNE's game against Bristol CityJordan Storey in action during PNE's game against Bristol City
Jordan Storey in action during PNE's game against Bristol City

Storey, 23, has had two contrasting seasons with the Lilywhites.

In 2018/19 he made a few appearances in the first half of the campaign and then established himself as a permanent fixture over the second half. His form won him PNE’s young player of the year award.

Bauer’s arrival last summer edged Storey out of the team, bar a handful of games over the winter.

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Huntington got above him in the centre-half pecking order, getting a run of matches in December.

North End boss Alex Neil turned to Storey again after lockdown, playing him in a three-man backline in the 3-1 victory at Sheffield Wednesday.

When Davies was injured in the following game, Storey took over and stayed in.

Neil has used different partnerships in the defence during pre-season.

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Bauer and Davies were only paired together for the first time at Sheffield United last Friday, with Storey and Huntington starting against Everton the next day.

It would be difficult to break up the Bauer/Davies dynamic but Storey is pushing as hard as anyone could do to make it a tough choice for Neil.

How the season pans out for Davies will be interesting.

The 25-year-old is into the last 10 months of his contract and as of the ‘crown jewels’ at Deepdale, Davies has the potential to attract the most interest from the Premier League and indeed the biggest fee.