PNE midfielder Ryan Ledson is ready for pre-season trip to AFC Fylde

The midfielder missed last week’s win over Bamber Bridge due to an ankle injury.

But having been back on the Springfields training pitch this week, Ledson is likely to get a run-out at AFC Fylde.

The Mill Farm clash (3pm) should see most of the squad get a run-out ahead of flying to Ireland for a training camp next week.

Ledson, who was North End’s first summer buy, told the Post: “I missed the game last week but I’m back full pelt in training and feeling good.

“I’d rolled my ankle and it swelled up a bit, so it wasn’t worth taking any risks in a pre-season friendly.

“Hopefully I will get a few minutes at AFC Fylde to get my fitness up and then we have another game on Tuesday.

“I’m really enjoying it here, the lads are a great bunch who have been very welcoming.

“There are a few lads who live in Liverpool like I do, so I’ve got myself in the car school with them.

“Things like that are a big help and get you settled.”

Ledson, 20, says a big thing he has noticed since joining North End is the intensity of the training sessions.

Alex Neil likes his players to work at a high tempo, which is reflected in the pressing game they played last season.

“The very high intensity is something you notice straight away,” said Ledson.

“I like that, training is fast and people are getting after each other, which is the best way to train.”

PNE signed Ledson from Oxford United in May for an undisclosed fee.

He started his career with Everton, playing once for their first team in the Europa League.

Ledson has represented England at five age levels, from Under-16s through to Under-20s.

In 2014 he was skipper of the England Under-17s who won the UEFA European Championships in Malta.

Current England manager Gareth Southgate was heavily involved in the planning for that tournament and Ledson is full of respect for him.

Said Ledson: “Gareth was brilliant with the young lads, he oversaw it when we won the Euros with the Under-17s.

“I think he was Under-21s coach at the time but his role was a bigger one and covered all the youth teams.

“He was at every game for the Euros and is a top fella, he’s done brilliantly since getting the England job.

“I think in the long-run he can get success for England.

“We did sell well at the World Cup and with a touch more luck could have beaten Croatia.

“The chance for Harry Kane before half-time was the one – had that gone in it was game over.”