Ryan Croasdale is settling into first team duties well at North End and spoke to PNE.Com following victory over Chorley last night.
The PNE no.25 faced a baptism of fire as he was pitched in against world footballing giants Liverpool to make his first senior appearance for the Lilywhites.
But the youngster looked right at home in the PNE engine room that afternoon and in the more tranquil setting of Victory Park, Chorley last night; Croasdale again looked very much like a first team footballer.
Discussing the differences between academy and first team football post-match, Croasdale said: “This level is obviously a lot faster than playing in the academy, there is men up your backside all the time so you have got to think quicker but hopefully I will be able to adapt to it soon and start a few games.
“Everyone is also bigger at this level, I’m not the biggest lad so hopefully I will be able to use my other attribute to get on in the game.
“The match went very good, it was good to get on and get about 20 minutes, we have other games coming up quick and fast so hopefully I will be able to feature in them.”
Although this was a pre-season friendly, the match was contested in a competitive spirit and despite fitness being the main aim of this time of year, Croasdale was pleased to help claim the Jack Kirkland trophy.
He continued: “The competitive edge is part and parcel to any game so having things like a trophy up for grabs is a nice little incentive so it is good to win it.”
Along with Ben Davies and Steven James, Croasdale was offered professional terms by manager Simon Grayson in the summer and he has been made to feel very much at home in the first team dressing home by his new teammates.
And with plenty more pre-season opportunities ahead to shine – starting tonight against Bamber Bridge, the central midfielder has high targets for the season ahead.
“My aim is to try and start every game,” stated Croasdale.
“Obviously it is not going to be like that, so I have just got to work hard in training and in games when I get the opportunity to shine.
“I have settled in really well, everyone has welcomed me in, so I am settling in good.
“I am always looking forward to playing games and getting game time, so hopefully I will be able to get a bit longer again but we will wait and see.”