Ryan Lowe plans to keep youngster at Preston North End until late in the transfer window

Several young players have bolstered the numbers of Lowe’s squad this summer, with James Pradic, Lewis Coulton, Dana Amaral and Mikey O’Neill all going to the pre-season training camp in Spain.

Josh Seary, Noah Mawene and Aaron Bennett have also featured for the first team so far.

O’Neill is the only one to have made his first team debut, making three appearances last season.

"We’ll keep the lads as close to us as we possibly can until the time is right, once we've got a set squad,” Lowe said.

"The transfer window doesn't shut until September 1 so we'll have to keep them around until at least then, unless it's someone who is going to take them and give them game time.

"If I put the feelers out for someone to take Dana now, at a League One or League Two club, I think there will be a lot of people wanting to take him.

"We have to be careful that we don't leave ourselves short. I thought Ryan Ledson and Ben Whiteman were excellent against Getafe and he's got to come in and compete with them. He's definitely a good asset for us.”

Amaral has been one of the standouts of the younger players this pre-season, alongside Coulton who has been racking up the minutes.

The 18-year-old has shown maturity in his game and a phsycial stature beyond his years at the heart of North End’s midfield in their last few games.

He signed a new one-year-deal this month and Lowe has praised his attitude along with the rest of his teammates pushing for a place in the senior side.

He said: “He doesn't look out of place. I wouldn't say he's a surprise package, because we saw him at the end of last season, we rewarded him with a new contract.

"He's been a breath of fresh air to work with so far. His attitude and application has been spot on - along with all of the lads.

"If their attitude is not spot on they don't get to be with us. Dana threw a few challenges in, he can get on the ball. They've all got different attributes.”