Preston North End goalkeeper Mathew Hudson signs a new contract

Mathew Hudson has signed a new two-year contract with Preston North End

The 21-year-old would have been out of contract this summer but agreed terms to continue his long association with the Lilywhites.

Southport-born Hudson came through the club's academy and his single appearance in the first-team to date came back in December 2015.

That was against Leeds United at Elland Road, Hudson joining the action at the half-hour mark after Jordan Pickford had been sent-off for handling outside the box.

Hudson played four Football League Trophy games for Bury during a loan spell with the Shakers in 2018.

This season he has been on the bench nine times and when the season resumes, Hudson and Connor Ripley will provide back-up for Declan Rudd.

North End rate Hudson highly despite his lack of first-team football to date.

Time is on his side, with his 22nd birthday being at the end of July. Goalkeepers tend to hit their peak later than outfield players.

He has PNE's goalkeeper coach Jonathan Gould to mentor him, while earlier in his career he worked under Alan Kelly.

Hudson coming through the academy means he fulfils the criteria of being a home-grown player.

EFL rules state that a club's matchday squad has to include a player who has come through the academy.