PNE signed the defender from Brighton in the summer for a seven-figure sum

Preston North End defender Odel Offiah spoke to the media on Thursday afternoon, for the first time since signing in the summer.

The Lilywhites won the race for the 23-year-old’s signature, paying Brighton and Hove Albion a fee reportedly in excess of £1million. He had to bide his time in the first few weeks of the season but, following injury to Pol Valentin, regular minutes have come his way at right wing-back.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom observed that Offiah has come out of his shell more and more since playing a greater role. The number 42 has loved getting on the pitch and showing Preston fans what he’s all about.

“Definitely,” said Offiah. “As a footballer, you want to play and when you're in the team, you don't want to get out of the team. Me in a new position, finding my feet, I feel like the first couple of games you probably don't know what to do as much. But I think game by game, I'm trying to learn and on the training pitch, in the analysis room, just basically trying to get better and better as a footballer.”

Offiah was linked with Charlton Athletic and Queens Park Rangers back in the summer, but North End managed to secure his services on a four-year contract. Having been on the books of one of the Premier League’s most impressive clubs, in the Seagulls, Offiah admits it was a big call for him to make.

“Oh yeah, a massive decision, having been at Brighton since I was a kid,” said Offiah. “I’d been there for so long and when you go through the different coaches in the age groups, you learn so much. Obviously, the different managers, even when you're just training and not playing the senior pros that are there like Danny Welbeck - he was really good with the young lads coming through.

“I'm playing in a different position now but the role for the team I felt suited me and that's why I decided to come here. One of the main reasons I came here was for that vision - the way we play with the back three and then out-of-possession it being the four. I feel like that's still something that will suit me, but the main thing is playing games and being in the team. As long as I'm in the team and he feels that's how I can contribute to the game, I'll do that.”

Offiah had discussed the challenge of playing wing-back - a role which demands players to do both sides of the game, while showing exceptional levels of athleticism and endurance. He has displayed his ability to carry the ball forward and combine with team mates. With Heckingbottom and co not asking Offiah to do anything he’s incapable of, the defender is just looking to offer as much as he can at that end of the pitch.

“Yeah, I feel like it's almost bringing that back out of me,” said Offiah. “For the last probably five, six years, I've been a centre-back and you're not doing much attacking or 1v1 dribbling. So it's probably just relearning that a little bit and with games, I feel like I'm just going to get better and better.”

North End’s manager has hailed Offiah’s pace and power as ‘outstanding’ - a trait many top defenders in this day and age possess. Having had exposure to top flight football and with many years still ahead of him, the 23-year-old is driven by ambitions of returning to the Premier League one day.

“Definitely,” said Offiah. “I've had a bit of a taste of Premier League games and obviously, I want to be at the top level, challenging myself against the best players. That's what I dream of, definitely, to get back there. There were a few nerves (stepping on to the Championship stage), playing at a new level. But I suppose me having that little bit of Premier League experience, and I had loads of games under my belt last year, it probably just relaxed my nerves a little bit.”

The former Hearts loan man was one of 12 new recruits at Deepdale this summer. There is one team mate he’s built a particularly strong bond with. Coincidentally, the pair will hope to go on very similar journeys to each other.

“Yeah, probably Thierry Small to be fair,” said Offiah. “We both joined this summer from League One. I knew of him when we played against Charlton last year and he’s probably the person I’m closest to in the team. Similar age, similar points... he's ambitious in the sense he wants to play at the highest level possible; same with me.”

Anyone who represents Blackpool and PNE probably knows the topic is going to come up at some stage. The North End man had an impressive loan stint with the Seasiders last campaign; form which no doubt alerted Preston to make their move. Offiah hasn’t seen too much stick since signing - the fierceness of the rivalry was actually news to him.

“I kept away from it a little bit!” said Offiah. “Initially when I signed there was a little bit but to be fair, I understand. Obviously, a big rivalry that I didn't even know was a rivalry. When I joined is when I actually found out but yeah, I'm enjoying my time here. Deepdale is rocking every (game), I think Blackburn was sold out. I like to play in front of the fans and I feel like the fans really support us.”

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