Preston boss Alex Neil is keen to see young midfielder Ryan Ledson’s good form continue

Alex Neil is backing Ryan Ledson to continue his strong form in Preston North End’s midfield when action resumes after the international break.
Preston North End's Ryan LedsonPreston North End's Ryan Ledson
Preston North End's Ryan Ledson

The 23-year-old has been PNE’s most consistent player in what has been an up-and-down first two months of the campaign.

Lilywhites boss Neil likes the way Ledson has adapted to a couple of different roles within the midfield.

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There is a busy six weeks ahead for PNE, with 12 games scheduled between Saturday and January 2.

Neil said: “Ryan has been plying his trade really well in a couple of different positions, albeit both in midfield.

“He’d been a No.6 for us and also been effective as a No.8 when he’s had Ben Pearson or Alan Browne behind him.

“What you find with Ryan is that he likes responsibility, he doesn’t shirk responsibility.

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“Whether it is a case of going to Brentford and being ready to press the ball, or going to Rotherham where you need to roll your sleeves up, Ryan will do that.”

This time last year, Ledson was struggling to get a game at North End.

It is coming up 12 months to the 4-0 defeat at Hull when he played as an emergency right-back – looking like a fish out of water.

He didn’t feature again until coming on as a substitute against Leeds on Boxing Day.

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Ledson played in just three more games before March’s lockdown, it being during the restart games when he forced his way back into contention.

This season, he’s started 10 of PNE’s 11 Championship matches – coming on as a sub in the one he didn’t start.

Against Rotherham in the game before the international break, Ledson scored his first Preston goal.

It’s South Yorkshire opponents again for North End on Saturday when they host Sheffield Wednesday at Deepdale (3pm).

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That is followed by the derby clash with Blackburn, also at home, next Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, it is looking likely that Championship clubs will be able to make five substitutions during games in the near future.

Neil has been among a group of managers pressing for a mid-season rule change to return to how things were for the restart games in the summer.

With how often games are being played, there is concern the workload is leading to more injuries.

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It is understood that clubs in the Championship have voted on the matter, with it having received strong support at an EFL meeting last week.

Reports suggest the five sub rule could be introduced for the games being played the weekend of October 28 when PNE are at Waford.