PNE boss Ryan Lowe feels squad is stronger this season and gives update on two former Manchester United youngsters futures as one is training away from the club

Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe feels his squad is stronger going into the new Championship season.
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Although there may not be wholesale changes to the team from last season, Lowe feels he has more strength in depth this time around to push his starters on.

Last season you could name Lowe’s starting XI most weeks but going into the first game of the season there are a few question marks.

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The PNE boss admits that he could probably still do with another couple through the door.

PNE boss Ryan Lowe.PNE boss Ryan Lowe.
PNE boss Ryan Lowe.

He said: “If we get one or two through the door we will be fine.

"We need another striker to compete, Sean Maguire will be out for a couple more weeks so it depends how he comes back from that injury, so we've only got three.

"In terms of do I feel we are stronger? I think the players we've got, the backup, or the people now challenging potential starters is very strong.

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"I think people will be looking over their shoulders thinking if I'm not on it 100 per cent I know there will be someone ready to stay in.”

Two players that are no longer needed to provide competition are Matt Olosunde and Josh Harrop who are transfer listed, though the former has been involved in pre-season.

Olosunde will be playing his part for now as PNE wait for a move to materialise for him but Harrop is no longer training at the club.

“Matt had a tight calf but he's back training with us, he missed the Leicester game but he's alright now,” Lowe said.

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"Josh Harrop has been made aware that his future lies elsewhere but until his agent comes back with some work to say that he's found him somewhere then he's doing his own bits and bobs.

"He's not integrating with the group at all because he needs to find a solution and a way of going to find some games.

"He's been fine in himself, he's fit and ready, we're just waiting for the phone to ring with him. Matt, until something comes along, is that right hand side. It's basically waiting for the phone to ring.

"The attitude of the two boys has been fantastic, even knowing that they've been made available.”