PNE summer buy Jordan Storey has a big future says Alex Neil

The centre-half joined from Exeter City and pulled on a PNE shirt for the first time in the 7-0 win at Bamber Bridge last week.

Storey played the second half against Brig as Neil split the squad and gave them all 45 minutes.

Neil is set to do likewise when North End make the short trip to Mill Farm for a first meeting with the Coasters.

He was impressed with how Storey performed against Brig and is looking forward to seeing the 20-year-old develop in his time at Deepdale.

“Jordan has shown huge potential and he’s in an area of the pitch where he has got Paul Huntington and Tom Clarke to learn from,” Neil told the Post.

“The lad is really quick for a centre-back, he’s a good size and good on the ball.

“He’s another who we hope we can continue to develop.

“For Jordan there is only one way for his career to go and that is upwards.”

Storey’s breakthrough at senior first-team level only came last season at Exeter.

But he was a regular from February and played in the Grecians’ run to the League Two play-off final.

North End paid a sizeable fee for that potential and he will compete for a place in the backline in the season ahead.

It is a busy weekend for PNE, with a trip to Ireland following the AFC Fylde clash.

The squad fly to Cork on Sunday afternoon to begin a six-day training camp.

Their stay over the water includes a game with Cobh Ramblers on Tuesday night.

AFC Fylde will provide a good test – they got to the National League play-offs last term.

They broke their transfer record over the summer to sign ex-Preston midfielder Ryan Croasdale for £50,000 from Kidderminster.

Lancaster-born Croasdale came through the youth ranks at PNE, making one first-team appearance.

Fylde boss Dave Challinor said: “Preston will be a really tough game.

“They played Bamber Bridge and scored a hatful.

“Preston are a good side and we’re hoping it will be played in front of a good crowd.”