'There is just' - Preston North End transfer stance confirmed as Liverpool man recalled

Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe does not expect the club to sign another right back after Calvin Ramsay's return to Liverpool.

The Reds recalled their player this week, with the former Aberdeen man having not made the last few North End match day squads. In total, Ramsay made two appearances for Preston with one start - after a knee injury which saw him miss the first four months of the season.

The Scottish full back played at Middlesbrough and against Queens Park Rangers at home, but found himself down the pecking order after suffering from Covid in December. Lowe's first choice is Brad Potts down the right and that isn't going to change in the manager's eyes. The PNE boss isn't planning to target a right sider in the January transfer window.

"No, because again, Brad Potts has probably been one of our most consistent players for two years now," said Lowe. "He has been phenomenal, whether that is at right-back or right wing-back. He is robust and plays week-in-week-out, so there is just no way that you can sort of have another one in the building that's at cost - and isn't going to play. That was the case with Calvin, where Pottsy is our main right back or right wing-back, depending on the formation we play.

"We have got players, as I say, who can cover those positions - so there is no real need. We wanted Calvin to come early doors, to push the two of them. But, Pottsy cemented that place a long time ago. Now, if Calvin was with us in pre-season and form had dipped or whatever, then it may have been a bit different. But, he wasn't, hence why there is no real need for another right back or right wing-back; Pottsy can do that job fantastically well and has done. And we've got one or two players who can fill that position, if needed."

And on whether Ramsay's recall may free up money for a loan elsewhere, Lowe said: "Potentially, yeah. Lewis (Leigh) I am pleased for - he did fantastically well at Bromley and now has a chance in the league, which we wanted. He has gone to a fantastic football club in Crewe and we'll keep monitoring him, to see how he does. And maybe one or two others will go out on loan.

"We have had a bit of interest in Patrick, but again it'll be down to where he wants to go and what he wants to do. We won't be forcing anyone out. Then, as I say, one or two may come in the next week and go 'You know what? I am not playing enough and there's an opportunity for me to go here on loan'. And, providing it is right for us, the team and club then we'll have a look at it, but until that happens there will be no news really."