After an appearance on the subs bench against Colchester and a loan spell at Tranmere Rovers last season Saturday finally saw Leyland lad Danny Mayor run out to make his full debut for Preston North End. Head of Youth Dean Ramsdale was one of many who was delighted with his appearance.
"It was a proud moment, it's something we've wanted to happen while we've been at the football club, that's why Paul Simpson, the Chairman and directors brought us in - they were desperate to get one through.
"I'm delighted it's Danny, he's worked really hard over the period we've had him, he's been top class to work with, is a great lad and he's got exceptional ability and hopefully he can go on from there.
"He had his first taste last year when he went to to Tranmere Rovers on loan for four games before he got himself injured. He came back to us and he's worked hard to get himself fit again and he's done really really well."
The right winger won the free-kick which led to North End's second goal however Ramsdale explained that the youngster still has alot to learn.
"The've all got things to learn and work on; he'll have to do his bit in the gym but with Scott coming in and David looking at the Development group he will work on his fitness.
"First and foremost he's a good footballer and I think in the little period that he played on Saturday people saw the little things that he can do and hopefully as his confidence grows and the manager and Kevin see more of him they'll be aware of what he can do and I think he'll get that opportunity to show them."
Also with the squad on Saturday was fellow first year pro Adam Barton and the youth department's head is sure that the Clitheroe-born central midfielder can follow up on Danny's debut by making his first appearance soon.
"Adam's done well since we've had him at the club, he's worked hard and has grown physically, he's 6'3 6'4 and he's grown six inches while he's been at the football club so he's had a big growth spurt over the time he's been with us.
"He's very good on the ball, easy on the eye and though he sometimes looks as if he's lethargic he's not - he's got good pace and a great engine and under the manager Adam will come in and he'll grow in confidence. Hopefully it'll give the manager problem in that he's got two extra players that may be in the past wouldn't have been for selection but they are now.
"It's a chance for them all, they all see that now, my phone was going mad on Satruday afternoon from people at the game and the scholars who were texting me and who were delighted for Danny. I spoke to him at length on Saturday night and after training today and I've spoken to Adam and it's great, it 's given everybody a bit of a lift in a big week for us."
