Youngster Layton Stewart has been revealed to be in the plans of manager Ryan Lowe ahead of the upcoming season for Preston North End.
Preston managed to finish the season in 10th place with 63 points after a strong start. Their form would ultimately drop off, culminating in losing their final five fixtures.
A focal point of the Lilywhite’s squad is their array of attacking options. Experienced striker Will Keane played a pivotal part in last season’s results with his hold-up play and target-man skill set, which led him to find the net 13 times last season.
In addition, the club still possesses Emil Riis and Milutin Osmaijic, who offer great support to Keane. The duo managed a combined tally of 14 goals and five assists in the league as they also outlined the many striking options Lowe has.
Stewart remains another option having broken into the first team suad towards the end of last season, although there were rumours that he may have been granted a loan move in January. The former Liverpool youngster has appeared in pre-season friendlies, scoring in a 3-0 win over Northern Premier League side Bamber Bridge.
Talking to the Lancashire Evening Post, Lowe said:
“That was back in January and he did ever so well when he came onto the pitch and played some games. Listen, you never say never, depending on what’s out there.
“But, he is one of our four strikers at the moment. So yeah, I don’t think we are just going to send people out for the sake of it.
“We’ve got to make sure we’ve got a fully fit squad and one which can compete with each other. I feel Layton can do that, but it’s over to him. And it’s over to all of the strikers, really. If they start scoring goals, then it makes my job easier doesn’t it? I can then just pick them. Layton has been great all pre-season – I think it’s one of the first full ones he’s done for a while. If we can get him up to speed, he’s a goal scorer and a threat.”
Writer’s View
Overall, this could be a great decision for the young forward. He can learn of the much more experienced attackers ahead of him and also get minutes in a tough league like the Championship. It is clear his manager believes in him and will look to incorporate him into the side as much as possible.
On the other hand, a loan move may have also been necessary at this stage of his career. He is now 21-years-old and has yet to play a consistent season in senior football. Therefore, this decision could be positive or negative and it will depend on how he progresses and develops this season.
