David Moyes has given his reasons as to why Harrison Armstrong was allowed to move to Preston North End.
The midfielder looked to be on the brink of breaking into Everton’s first team this season after a promising performance in the EFL Cup against Mansfield Town, as well as being named on the bench for the club’s first three Premier League matches of the season. However, an exit was sanctioned on Deadline Day with Preston beating former side Derby County to the 18-year-old’s signature.
Moyes Hopeful Of Progress
Moyes, who managed the Deepdale side between 1998 and 2002 before his first stint on Merseyside, spoke to the media ahead of their Derby match against Liverpool at Anfield about a range of subjects, including the decision to send Armstrong to his former side. (Quotes via Lancashire Evening Post):
“I could have kept Harrison but I didn’t know if he was ready to be a starter yet. I thought he played really well against Mansfield. He’s played well in a couple of games he’s been in. But, I actually thought that another 15, 20 games in the Championship would be another stage. He’s 18 years old.
“There’s one or two very talented 17-year-old players playing in the Premier League at the moment but in the main, he’s young for a midfield player. He’s still got a bit of physical attributes to grow into. So, I’m hoping that Preston’s a good base for him. I believe it is, and he gets some game time and comes back stronger again.
“He’s stepping up now, because I think when you’re playing and you’re around the first teams and whatnot, you’re getting recognised more. The national teams want to know that their boys are getting games, and it looks like he’s going to get some more game time. He did well at Derby, so I’m hoping that he can do the same for Preston.”
Writers’ View
Harrison Armstrong will have a big role to play this season as he still eases into life at Preston North End. A brief cameo in the draw against Middlesbrough showed some promise but with the midfielder not fully fit, it will take some time for the 18-year-old to make his full debut for Paul Heckingbottom’s side. With just four senior options at Everton capable of playing in a deeper midfield role, it would not be surprising if Preston was his final stepping stone before breaking through.
