Graham Alexander shares Alfie Devine mindset insight after 'honest' conversation with Preston North End star

Graham Alexander believes Alfie Devine has probably realised he was playing a 'little bit under par' before making a strong response in two appearances last week.

It's been the case for everyone at Preston North End, but it's been a tough start to the season for Devine, who returned to Deepdale permanently in the summer transfer window as the club's record signing.

After a brief calf issue (but getting the all clear and training all week beforehand), the 22-year-old was dropped to the bench for the away trip to Stoke City and didn't even come on with Preston two goals down.

He didn't start against Sheffield United on Tuesday, either, but was subbed in with 26 minutes remaining and made a positive impact, setting up Callum Lang to score.

The following day, Alexander revealed he'd had an 'honest' conversation with Devine about 'expectations' and 'the help he needs to channel his talent’ on the Monday before the game.

The manager was pleased with his response against the Blades, reinstating him to the starting XI for the victory over Southampton and being 'delighted' with how he performed.

Alexander has never doubted Devine's ability, but reckons the player will now admit to himself he wasn't playing to his lofty standards.

"I think Alfie's probably seen this week: 'Actually, I was probably a little bit under par, I needed that little boost of energy,' to prove how good he is," he told The Post.

"You can see his quality, without a doubt, but if you don't do all the other stuff it doesn't matter.

"I think he understands the tactical side, he's a really intelligent footballer, he can handle the ball and he's getting to understand the press and how important he is, as all the other players are, to work for the team.

"You might not get the ball for 10 minutes, but if you're in position, you get through those spells, you don't concede, and then you get on top again.

"I was delighted for him, coming back into the team, and showing what he can do on Tuesday, first and foremost, and certainly today as well."

Alexander sees it as his 'responsibility' to be honest with players

Devine hasn't been the only player to be dropped to the bench, with Alexander making sweeping changes to the team on Saturday, though two were enforced.

Goalkeeper Daniel Iversen was benched for the first time in a league game as a PNE player, while Jordan Storey and Jusef Erabi also made way.

Alexander says he will always be honest with his players, even if it isn't 'nice,' as that's what some managers did for him, which ensured he had a long and successful career.

"The thing is right, I know my responsibility to these players because there's been managers that have had their responsibility for me, the ones that were honest with me," he said.

“But it was from a caring point of view, not a nice point of view sometimes, but a caring point of view for their future. It paid off dividends for me by how my career went.

"I find that responsibility is really important to me as a manager. I have to be honest with players, but I have to guide them, help them, squeeze them at times, but I have to be honest to the squad.

"Every player in that squad should be competing to be in that team and they should all believe they can get in the team on the back of performance.

"Like with Dan [Iversen] today, with Alfie last week, I think it's for our own benefit."