Instincts helped PNE keeper prove spot-on in Carabao Cup shootout with Huddersfield Town
Preston North End keeper reflected on his shootout success after Carabao Cup progress last weekend
Daniel Iversen said instinct played a part in his penalty shootout efforts after PNE progressed into round two of the Carabao Cup last weekend.
North End beat Huddersfield Town 4-3 on penalties at Goodison Park after Jusef Erabi’s stoppage-time goal secured a 1-1 draw.
Iversen then kept out Huddersfield’s first two spot-kicks, denying former team-mate Ryan Ledson and Marcus Harness.
Although Andrew Moran was unsuccessful with North End’s fourth attempt, Delano Burgzorg - another of the summer arrivals - scored from the spot to send Paul Heckingbottom’s players through.
Speaking afterwards, Iversen said: “I saved the first two penalties and we won, which is the most important thing.
“I have good stats in penalty shootouts. It’s just instinct and I feel confident about myself, and I feel good.
“We look at some clips but in the end, it’s up to me to take the decision and with Leddo’s (Ledson) one I changed at the last second.
“It wasn’t the plan to go to that side but I saved it, so that was good.”
This season is the 29-year-old’s second as a full-time Lilywhite, having previously had two spells on loan from Leicester City.
It has been a summer of change on the goalkeeping front at Deepdale, with Dai Cornell and Jack Walton having departed along with the arrival of Lee Nicholls from Huddersfield Town.
Nicholls provides Heckingbottom with an experienced alternative, the 33-year-old having joined PNE after 178 league and cup appearances in a five-year stint with the Terriers.
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It is a challenge which Iversen is relishing as North End prepare to start their Championship campaign at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
He added: “I feel really good. Training has been really good, tough.
“I think we are looking sharper now than we did a week ago and I can’t wait for the first (league) game of the season now.
“Lee’s a really good guy and is always working hard. I have to be on my toes because he’s pushing me.
“I’m trying to push him and I think we have a good relationship.”