Shane Cansdell-Sherriff claims it felt great to be back in a Lilywhites shirt, and in front of such a big crowd, in the 45 minutes he played against Liverpool in Saturday’s friendly.
The 30-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two side Rochdale and only started pre-season training last week, following his return from Australia.
And the defender admitted he was delighted to pull on a Preston shirt once more at the weekend, in the presence of over 21,000 fans.
Speaking to PNE.Com, he said: “It was great, it was fantastic to be back.
“It didn’t feel like I’d left so it was great to be back and hopefully I get a chance to continue playing there again.”
Meanwhile, the former Australia U17 international insists PNE’s four-nil defeat to Brendan Rodgers’ Reds side is irrelevant and reiterated that all pre-season fixtures focus on player conditioning.
“Fitness wise it was good to play against a team like that, it’s a big eye opener, the way they play,” said Shane.
“The result was obviously disappointing but, at this time of year, it’s all about the fitness and getting some minutes under our belt and that’s what we did.
“On a personal point I was happy to get half a game, I think it’s my third session with the boys football-wise so I was happy to get out there and get some game time.
“Part of pre-season is about building on so 45 minutes there and another 45 maybe this week, we’re happy with that.”
The visit of Liverpool was North End’s first warm-up fixture of the 2013/14 campaign, and Shane believes the match gave the side an insight into the type of strategy they need to master in order to be successful this season.
“You usually play them a little bit closer to the season but it was fortunate that we got a chance to play them at all so that was great,” he continued.
“It gives us the chance to see the level they play at, formation, style and tactics they used and play some quality competition.
“We’ve got to take what we’ve learned from those games and carry it on and we’ll play different opponents in Bamber Bridge and Chorley – different set of games – so it’s important we keep on with our pre-season and keep on building.”
Those games against Chorley and Bamber Bridge will take place on consecutive days this week – Tuesday and Wednesday respectfully – and Cansdell-Sherriff can recall the last time PNE travelled to both Lancashire outfits, claiming they proved tough tests for the squad..
“I remember playing them last year and both teams were quality opponents so both teams are going to be tough and we’re going to have to turn up and put on a performance to get a decent result,” he added.
“The results aren’t the only thing we’re looking for at the moment, it’s more about improving our team and learning our strengths and weaknesses.
“It’s an opportunity for us to impress the manager and prove our worth in the team as well as players from their club to impress, you never know.
“It’s just a big opportunity for everyone to get a game and some experience as well.”