Wayne Henderson is pleased to have his contract sorted after the goalkeeper signed a one year extension to his current contract at Deepdale.

The last couple of years have seen the Lilywhites goalkeeper blighted by a back problem, but Henderson feels that he is at a good enough standard to challenge Andy Lonergan for a place in the starting 11 after staying fit all season.

Henderson has been included in the first team squad for every game this season and not missed a day of training and the Irishman is ready for the first team if called upon.

Speaking to PNE.Com, Henderson outlined his ambition to challenge for a first team place and revealed he owes a lot of thanks to manager Darren Ferguson for making the deal happen.

"I have had to get myself back to the standard that I am at now," he said. "I'm feeling great and am desperate to play games again, hopefully I can do it here.

"I've not missed a day's training all season which is partly the reason why the manager has been so keen to get the contract sorted and I owe a lot of thanks to the manager for making the deal happen.

"There were a few sticking points along the way, but he has stuck with me and has shown me how much he respects me and wants me to be here which has been brilliant and really encouraging for me."

Preston's No.22 believes that he just needs to bide his time with fellow goalkeeper Andy Lonergan again having an impressive season for North End.

"It has been difficult, Lonners has done well this season and it has been frustrating waiting for my chance, hopefully it will come sooner rather than later.

"Since Wardy (Darren Ward) has come in as well, I feel good and hopefully I will get that chance before the end of the season."

This relationship with goalkeeping coach Darren Ward has filled Henderson with a lot of confidence and the 26-year-old is ready to take his chance if it comes along.

"He [Ward] has just finished his playing career so he has got a wealth of experience. We can bounce ideas off of him and ask him questions when we feel things aren't going a certain way. His coaching is brilliant and he is so enthusiastic, it is really rubbing off on us and we have been working really hard this season.

"He just brings a whole new dimension to what we are doing and we are thoroughly enjoying working with him. I am ready for my chance when it comes."