Josh Brownhill believes that the Academy’s match with Norwich City will be a great test for the youngsters against the defending champions.
A few short weeks ago, Brownhill would have be starring in PNE Academy’s FA Youth Cup match with the Canaries, but now he is backing his former team-mates and friends to get the job done on Wednesday night in the third round tie at Deepdale.
The 17-year-old started off the season with his scholar colleagues, but after impressing in several bounce matches, North End manager Simon Grayson made him a part of the first team squad; a move which proved fruitful for both parties, with Brownhill grabbing a goal on his first senior start and featuring regularly since.
And with the Academy now ready to take centre stage, the former Manchester United trainee believe that anything is possible for the Academy, despite the strength of the opposition.
“Playing against Norwich City will be a great experience for all the boys and they will learn a lot from it,” said the PNE No.30.
“They won it last year and are the holders so it will be a good test for them.
“All the boys are buzzing for it and they all can’t wait and I am sure they will do a good job on the night.”
The central midfielder has went from being another one of the lads, to the house roll model for the Academy players that he still shares digs with, as they all look to achieve similar opportunities and recognition to that of Brownhill.
And he is more than happy to be the inspiration of the group.
Josh continued: “All the boys just love seeing me being a part of the first team because they think that maybe they will get their chance to go higher and that inspires them.
“When they play Norwich, I’m sure that people will be watching them and they will be trying to do the best that they can.
“I’ll be there watching them and supporting them and hopefully they can get the result.”
Preston North End and Norwich City clash in the third round of the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday night, kick-off 7pm at Deepdale.
Admittance is free for season ticket holders, with the general public price of £2 for non-season ticket holders.
So get down to cheer on the future of North End!