Neil Mellor was first in line to offer his congratulations to John Welsh on his player of the year award on Monday.
The two played together at Liverpool between 2002 and 2006, with Mellor pleased to see his former teammate get the nod ahead of Luke Murphy and Jose Baxter, to be crowned North West Football Awards League One Player of the Year.
Speaking of the PNE midfielder, Mellor said: “Congratulations to John Welsh, it is a great achievement to see him being acknowledged by the supporters and to win the League One Player of the Year award.
“It wasn’t a great season for Preston North End last year and everybody expected better things, but John Welsh was by far one of the stand out performers and it is nice to see him get recognised.”
The Lilywhites currently sit fourth in the Sky Bet League One standings and Mellor believes that in Welsh, they have the right man as their leader on the pitch to make a successful promotion push.
“He is an ideal captain, he is strong, aggressive and will fight for every ball,” stated Mellor.
“Hopefully Preston North End will go on and have a good season.
“John Welsh is a leader and on the pitch he will let his teammates know exactly what they are doing.
“Preston are looking to have a better season and the squad is well equipped.
“The Club need players like John, he is a great professional and thoroughly deserves his award.
“Preston have made a really good start.
“They are straight away in the mix at the right end of the table and long may that continue. “