Preston North End 16-year-old will 'be in squad' for Rotherham United - Ryan Lowe is impressed

Preston North End's first-year scholar, Theo Mawene, has been training with the senior squad this week - ahead of Friday's clash against Rotherham United.

The 16-year-old is the brother of Noah - a first-year pro at PNE, who recently extended his contract until 2026. Both players, of course, are sons of Youl - who played more than 190 games for North End, during the 2000s. Manager Ryan Lowe would not confirm whether Theo will make the bench, but the youngster is making an impression already at Preston.

"We've had young Theo training with us all week," said Lowe. "He just looks like he has been here forever and a day; he is sixteen-years-of-age... a baby. But, he takes no cr-- and he gets around the pitch, dropping a shoulder and scoring goals. He has been fantastic and he will be in the squad on Friday, because he's been excellent. We have a 22-man squad, so he'll be in the squad. They didn't tell us that we need to get him up (with us) - we know his qualities and have seen it.

"He is like a ten, an attacking midfielder. He's really handled and equipped himself well. He's obviously got his older brother looking after him and he's been brilliant. He will be with the squad over the Easter weekend and we'll decide what we do with him. But, I don't care how old you are, if you're performing to the levels. And if you are good enough, you're old enough. So, he's been excellent - and whether he's on the bench, or starts, who knows?"

Elsewhere in the squad, PNE welcomed four players back from international duty. Liam Millar, Ali McCann, Robbie Brady and Kian Best all went away with their respective nations. Lowe also provided an update on when the quartet returned to the building and how they are faring ahead of Good Friday's fixture.

"Yeah, Liam Millar was back yesterday and Robbie has just come back, today," said Lowe. "Ali Mac was in yesterday, so Liam and Ali... Robbie flew home yesterday, so he's in today. Obviously, Milly didn't go and Best was back quite handily - so he's been with us all week. They are all fine, which is pleasing. I was a little bit concerned - I went to watch Ali actually, against Scotland and he got booked after 20 minutes or something.

"I thought he was going to get a second yellow, but he obviously did fantastically well and feels fine. Robbie played two games, back-to-back, which was a bit of a concern - because he hadn't done that for a while. But, he's fine and feels great this morning - a bit tired, but that's what happens when you go on international duty. You are representing you're country and you want to give it your all - that's what they've done and I am just pleased they've come back unscathed."