Striker explains the reasoning behind joining PNE on loan.

First impressions counted for plenty when it came to Jusef Erabi opting to join Preston North End on loan.

The former Sweden U21 international striker moved to Deepdale on a season-long deal last month, having had a difficult first year with Belgian club Genk.

Erabi has settled in quickly, scoring on his debut in the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield Town last weekend and then netting a penalty in the subsequent shootout at Goodison Park.

The 23-year-old paid tribute to his new team-mates and manager Paul Heckingbottom for making him feel wanted.

He said: “They are helping me with what I need help with. It’s been really positive.

“They scouted me. I had done something good, which is really nice to hear.

“It wasn’t that hard to choose Preston; the way they play, the mentality, the history of the club in football, it wasn’t a hard choice.

“We (Erabi and Heckingbottom) spoke before. For me, I think that’s really important to get the first impression. It was a really nice meeting.

“It’s a dream to play in England. (The) Championship, as well as Premier League, is almost the same and it’s a really nice experience. We’re looking forward to it and I can’t wait to get started.

“The most important thing is the communication with the coach and the players.

“I thought it was really clear the way he wanted to play, the way he wanted to use me, my strengths, what I could improve.

“It was a really easy choice. For me, it was the perfect meeting and it was really good.”

The hope is that Erabi can show the ability which reportedly led Millwall to try and sign him last summer before Genk sealed the deal instead.

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Only one North End player - Emil Riis - has scored 20 goals in a season since the club returned to the Championship in 2015.

While acknowledging he wants to be a regular scorer, Erabi insists the team’s collective goals come before his own.

“I would say I’m a team player which is a really important thing,” he added.

“If we have 11 players out there that just want to score themselves, it’s going to be difficult.

“I’m a really hard-working striker that likes to help the team, I like to score goals and contribute, but the win is the most important thing.

“I think my hold-up play is good, the work ethic and the finishing. I’m a striker, I love finishing with both feet but I can also improve on everything.

“I’m a striker, I can also be a false nine. I don’t feel like I’m only a good hold-up player, I can combine as well, I’m good on the ball and can create chances also.”