Ben Pearson is feeling positive ahead of this weekend's clash with Sheffield Wednesday at Deepdale.
The fiesty midfielder is enjoying his role under manager Alex Neil and feels that the progress made in pre-season stands the squad in good stead come Saturday's Championship opener.
Speaking to iFollow PNE ahead of the game, Pearson said:
"Over the past four or five weeks we've all worked hard, there's been a lot of games, new systems, new formation and a new style of play so I think all of that combined leading into the game is good.
"I think the harder people have worked and the better people have understood their roles in what to do then I'm sure it will all work out on Saturday."
The 22-year-old is a big part of the gaffer's plans and Pearson is enjoying his role under the new boss.
"I've played this role quite a bit in my career so far, I think it's slightly different this time because it's a lot about getting on the ball as well as what you do without it. So I think it's understanding both roles of what I'm going to be doing but I've really enjoyed it.
"I think the manager has put a lot of faith in me to go and start play and obviously break it up at the same time so I'm happy with how it's going at the minute."
And despite a tough month of fixtures on paper, Pearson isn't reading into the schedule too much, with no easy games in the Championship.
"I think if you look at the fixtures coming up I think you could have had any six teams and you would have said they were all difficult anyway.
"I don't think it really matters who you play, I think having the home game first is better, in front of the home crowd trying to get a result on the first day of the season will be good and hopefully we can kick on from there."
Watch the full interview with Ben on iFollow PNE now by clicking on the video above.