PNE striker Joe Garner is looking forward to the visit of Liverpool this Saturday, claiming the fixture will be one for the fans.
The 26-year-old moved to Deepdale in January from Gianfranco Zola’s Watford, after a short loan spell at former club Carlisle United.
Now, as pre-season dawns, the forward admits he is excited at the prospect of playing against Premier League calibre players in the Club’s opening warm-up fixture and thinks the game will be a spectacle for the Lilywhites supporters.
“I think, obviously Liverpool are a top side and they’ve got some really good players and it’ll be a good day for the fans and everyone around the place to play such a big club with such a big history,” Garner told PNE.Com.
The game against the Reds has already drawn sales of over 17,000 tickets and Garner admits it will be a blast from the past to run out in front of a packed Deepdale.
“I think it’ll be like the old days when it was nearly full most weeks, which will be a nice sight,” he added.
“Obviously the people who come will enjoy their day out and come and support the lads during the season and help get us out the league.”
PNE’s first team has been back in training for two full weeks already and Garner is pleased with how his body has coped so far, after an enjoyable summer break.
“I feel alright, quite fit, I’ve come back alright and I’m just looking forward to the season starting and I’m just really looking forward to it really,” he continued.
Meanwhile, having played for four different teams in the space of just two years, Garner is finally relishing training as a more established player at the Club.
“Obviously I played for three different clubs last year and I’m just happy to come in a bit more settled,” he said.
“The manager has come in and has his own ways about his own pre-season and I’m just happy to be a bit more settled.”
Following pre-season, Preston face Wolverhampton Wanderers and Lancashire rivals Blackpool in their first competitive games of 2013/14, and Garner claims he is chomping at the bit for that match against the Seasiders.
“I was away on holiday when I first saw it but I think I was as excited as anyone round here,” he added.
“It’s a massive game, I don’t think many people away from the area think it’s a massive derby but people from around here respect it and I’m really looking forward to it.”
However, that’s not to say the January signing isn’t excited about every game, as the senior squad looks ahead to the new season.
“It’s an amazing first month, a tough first month as well but really excitable and some really good games so just a really exciting time for the Club really,” Garner said.
“People will really enjoy the games and hopefully we can perform and keep everyone happy.
“I’ll be walking out there with a smile and it’s a dream come true.”