Everton starlet Harrison Armstrong opens up on Preston North End loan and makes Derby County comparison

Harrison Armstrong believes the backing from manager Paul Heckingbottom is allowing him the freedom to thrive at Preston North End.

The 18-year-old has opened up on the differences between his early stint with the Lilywhites, to his stay with Derby County last term.

The midfielder was North End’s 12th and final signing of the summer window, penning a season-long loan deal from Everton on deadline day.

Following his arrival from the Premier League outfit, Armstrong has been appeared in all of PNE’s previous eight Championship contests, six of which from the start.

Indeed, the England youth international has wasted no time in making an impact for the Lilywhites, who now sit on the cusp of the play-offs.

Reflecting on his loan stint at Deepdale so far, the talented youngster has praised Heckingbottom for his early trust as he continues to embrace the second-tier stage.

Everton talent reflects on PNE loan stint so far

‘I’m really enjoying it,’ he said in an interview with Everton’s club media. ‘The fans, the staff and the lads have been really good with me and I’ve really enjoyed it.

‘I think it was just a case of trying to settle in on the pitch as quickly as possible and having the backing of the manager and the trust of the staff really goes a long way as a player.

‘Obviously, Preston like to play out a little bit more and play through the thirds. Derby was a matter of survival and doing what it takes.

‘By the time I leave Preston towards the end of the season, I’ll look back and I’ll have learnt different things than what I did at Derby.

‘Ultimately, it’s trying to adapt and give different varieties in myself to help the team and hopefully, that takes me a long way.

‘First and foremost, I want to help the team win and get the team in the best place possible. But I’m here for my own development and I’m here to grow as a player.

‘Everton understand that it is a tough environment, it’s games every two-three days. I’ve really enjoyed it and long may it continue.’

The key changes which started outstanding Sheffield United comeback

Following last Friday evening’s 3-2 win over Sheffield United, PNE currently sit seventh in the Championship, having picked up 19 points from their opening 12 matches.

And Armstrong has lifted the lid on the key changes made by Heckingbottom which kick-started the impressive comeback display.

‘As a team, we back ourselves that we will create and we trust our backline that we will defend well,” he said.

‘It was an enjoyable game. It was definitely one that I’ve learned a lot from - especially the first half.

‘I’m given that licence to have an understanding of where I need to be, depending on where the game is going.

‘I think the first half, we needed to go and get a goal so the manager wanted me in a bit of a higher position, which helped with the first goal coming down my side.

‘Obviously, once you’ve got a lead in a game like this on a Friday night, you want to protect it. It was a case of defending (for) our lives at times.’

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