Keeper coach Jonathan Gould’s big influence on Preston North End No.1 Declan Rudd

Gould was appointed as PNE’s keeper coach in August, returning to the club he played 59 games for in 2003 and 2004.

His experience and the work he does on the training ground are things which Rudd speaks highly of.

Last week Rudd signed a new three-year contract with North End, a deal which takes him through to June 2023.

Rudd told the Lancashire Post: “Gouldy has been great to work with, he’s worked with some top goalkeepers.

“His knowledge and everything he does on the training pitch is first class.

“Day to day he is a really enjoyable person to work with and to be around.

“He works you hard and you go into games feeling comfortable and confident that you are ready for it.

“You know that the work you have done leading up to a game is the work that will be needed to be done in a game.

“Gouldy is a big reason why I have been in more consistent form this season.”

Rudd was in the closing stages of his previous contract when he signed the new deal.

He signed from Norwich in June 2017, having spent a season-and-a-half on loan at PNE between January 2013 and May 2014.

In between, Rudd played in the Premier League for the Canaries and had a loan spell with Charlton.

Rudd has played 91 games since his permanent signing in 2017.

This season has noticeably been his strongest, hence PNE putting the new deal on the table some months ago.

Said Rudd: “My form has been good, it’s my job to make saves. The simple ones are just as good to make as the hard ones because at the end of the day you are stopping the ball going in and that is what you are there to.

“It has been good to do. I’ve been able to get a consistent run of form going and this has probably been one of my most enjoyable seasons playing.

“The season is not done yet, there is a lot to play for and it could get even better.

“It would be great for the players, staff and fans if at the end of this strange time there is enjoyment to be had.”

Rudd, 29, has been ever present in the Championship this campaign.

He has played in all but two league games since regaining his place in the side in November 2018 – Connor Ripley played in the final two matches of last season.

Ripley played in the three League Cup ties earlier in the season but otherwise has had an understudy role to Rudd.

Mathew Hudson has been on the bench in a handful of games, mainly to satisfy the EFL’s home-grown rule.