Northern Ireland international Ali McCann happy to play at wing back for Preston North End

Ali McCann is happy to play at right wing back if that is where he is needed after scoring for Preston North End against Leicester City from that position on Saturday.
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McCann, who is a midfielder by trade, has often seen his game time come on the right side of the North End formation under Ryan Lowe.

There is tough competition in the middle of the park but the Northern Irishman did start there against Hearts last Wednesday.

Ali McCann battles with Leicester City’s James Justin.Ali McCann battles with Leicester City’s James Justin.
Ali McCann battles with Leicester City’s James Justin.
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McCann got on the end of an Andrew Hughes cross to finish off an excellent PNE move down the left flank.

He said: “I got in at the back post, it's always nice to get a goal, but it was disappointing not to get the second one and come back.

"It was a good team performance in the end.

"It was some ball in from Hughesy, I couldn't miss from that far out. Luckily I got my head on it and it went in the back of the net, I'm happy with that.

Ali McCann heads in PNE's goal.Ali McCann heads in PNE's goal.
Ali McCann heads in PNE's goal.

“I've played at right wing back a few times now, it's different to the midfield role but I'm happy to do a job for the team whenever I'm needed.

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"I can't complain when I'm on the pitch, I'm happy to do a job whatever is needed of me - whether it's right wing back or in midfield I'm happy either way.

"It was a good workout again, another 65/70 minutes into the tank. Everyone is ready to go I think.”

North End lost out to Leicester, 2-1, with goals from Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes for the Foxes, but McCann was happy with the test.

He feels it’s set his side up for the season opener next week, July 30, against Wigan Athletic.

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He said: “They're a top side, a top Premier League side, so we knew it was going to be difficult going into it.

"I thought in the first half we gave them a bit too much respect and didn't get our stamp on the game too much.

"The second half was much better and you could see we really got up against them and did some nice stuff.

"Overall it was a good last game of pre-season and I think we're ready to go next week.”