PNE shot stopper Declan Rudd had a night to remember after earning his first cap for England’s U21s.
Rudd, on loan at Deepdale from Premier League outfit Norwich City came on as a second half substitute on Tuesday evening for Stuart Pearce’s men in the 4-0 win over Sweden at the Banks’ Stadium in Walsall.
It was a record breaking night for the young Lions with goals from goals from Tom Ince (2), Jonjo Shelvey and Connor Wickham extended England Under-21s’ winning streak to a record seven games.
“It was brilliant to make my debut for the U21s,” said Preston’s new number 23 in an exclusive chat with the Club’s official website.
“There is nothing better than playing for your country and it is a huge honour. It was my first appearance for the U21s and it is another step which I aimed to make, personally it was a great achievement.
“I have now played at every age group which is a big thing and I am happy to have done that and I will be looking to push on now and carry on achieving what I plan to achieve.
“The boss told me to be ready for the second half just in case so I prepared like I was going to come on and fortunately Stuart Pearce told me at half time that I would be coming on. It was great to hear that from the boss and I couldn’t wait to make my debut
“We knew it was going to be a hard game against Sweden, they are a good team and for the lads to win 4-0 just shows the strength in depth we have got. It also shows how well we have come together.
“It is our seventh game in a row that we have kept a clean sheet and won so it shows how well organised we are, how determined we are to win and not concede any goals.”
Rudd, who will travel back to Lancashire today ready to meet up with his North End team mates on Thursday morning continued by saying last night’s game is in the past and the focus in firmly on Saturday’s trip down south to Colchester United.
“I am looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow for the game against Colchester United,” said the youngster.
“Hopefully now I will get a couple of good days training in with the lads and get the right result on Saturday.”