Manager Graham Westley has been impressed by Todd Kane since the first time he saw the new loan signing in action.
The North End boss recruited the 19-year-old on the last day before the loan window closed until January 1st, as cover for the injured Keith Keane, who has been ruled out for at least the next couple of months.
European champions Chelsea agreed to loan their U21 team skipper to the Lilywhites until at least January 5th, the new No.14 going straight into the squad for the clash with Leyton Orient in the capital on Saturday, and the manager said he had a lot of faith in his new recruit’s ability to make an influence on his new team.
“I first saw Todd, I’m guessing, 18 months ago and I’ve seen him several times since,” the gaffer told the official website. “I like to go out whenever I can and seethe brightest young prospects at the top clubs, so that if ever you get into a situation like this, where you need an emergency loan, that you’ve got one in the bag.
“The minute that I saw him, I thought ‘grab his name’. I was actually there watching Luke Freeman at the time, but I thought take his name.
“He was pacy, he was competitive and I think he got 15 goals from full back last year. He was forward-thinking, that was obvious. He went forward at every opportunity. He had a tremendous appetite in the tackle and was just an all-round bright young player and every time I have seen him since, he has given me more and more evidence that he is the type of player that, at League One level, he will come in and do a tremendous job.
“I am really hopeful that Todd can emerge here during Keano’s absence and that it can be a tremendous experience for him and for us.”
North End have already seen what talented youngsters can be available at top clubs, taking on Jeffrey Monakana from Arsenal in the summer, and Westley hopes this will further aid the development of Kane.
“There are so many great players who started off at places like this – David Beckham being the prime example.
“I am sure Todd is going to have a tremendous career and I hope that he can play a big part in our success this season and that we can play a big part in helping him to kick on in having success in his career.”