Preston ace Ryan Ledson is confident of winning regular starting spot in midfield

North End manager Alex Neil is blessed with a wealth of talent in the middle of the park.

Ben Pearson, Daniel Johnson and Alan Browne have over the past couple of years arguably been the first names the boss jots down on his teamsheet.

Along with that trio, PNE also have the benefit of calling upon veteran playmaker Paul Gallagher and attacking midfielders Brad Potts and Josh Harrop.

Having just turned 23-years-old, Ledson – along with Tom Bayliss (21) – are certainly the junior members of the midfield department.

But former Everton youth star Ledson is eager to start challenging the status quo and make himself indispensable to the manager.

So far, the ex-Oxford United man has featured 45 times for North End across two seasons since arriving in the summer of 2018.

He found his opportunities limited somewhat last season, but came into the team for the final few games when football re-started in June and impressed.

The fact that there is some uncertainty surrounding the futures of Pearson, Johnson and Browne – who are entering into the final year of their current deals and have yet to renew terms – could open up opportunities for Ledson.

“I have said it many, many times in the past – Pearo, Gally, DJ and Browny, they are all top, top players,” said Ledson. “They have all played in the Championship for years on end. “But that’s my job to get in there and compete with these players.

“They are very good players, but hopefully I can do my bit and get in the team.”

Ledson signed a new three-year deal with the club last week and he admitted the pull of continuing to work with Neil was a big reason to stay.

“Personally, I like the gaffer,” said Ledson. “I think one day he will go on to bigger and better things – I think we all know that.

“He’s probably the best manager I have worked with tactically – he’s very good on that side of things. I don’t think he’s done me any harm in sometimes leaving me out.

“I just think I have improved under him over the last two years and that’s why I have obviously signed this extension because I think I can improve even more.

“Obviously, the more games I can play, the more I can help the team.”