Young forward Tyrhys Dolan is enjoying the step up to U18s football with Preston North End.
The 15-year-old is still primarily with the Lilywhites’ U16 side, having recently linked up with the club’s academy after previously representing Manchester City’s academy teams.
But the fleet-footed youngster has been heavily involved with the youth team thus far this term and made enough of an impact to hold down a prominent role in the U18s set-up of late.
“It’s a lot more physical and much quicker than the younger age groups, but I feel I’m doing okay with it,” the young attacker told PNE.com of his recent involvement with the youth team.
“I like the physical side of the game, though, and enjoy putting a strong tackle in so I’ve enjoyed that increased physicality in the U18s games.”
Speaking after the 1-0 away win at Notts County in which he started as an attacking midfielder, Dolan, who has also featured out wide this season for PNE, feels he is benefitting from playing in different positions for Nick Harrison’s side.
“Naturally, I feel most comfortable playing just behind the striker, as I did today. I’ve been playing on the wings recently because of some injuries and although I haven’t normally played there, I think I’ve done okay there as well.
“I enjoy it on the wing and I am happy playing there. It’s good to play slightly out of your position and still be staying in the team, so it’s good. I’ve just got to keep up with the standards in the U18s and keep working hard.”
Speaking of the County contest in which Lewis Fensome scored the only goal for PNE, Dolan was pleased with both his own and the team’s performance.
“It was tougher than we expected and the pitch didn’t do us many favours. It was a tough game but we got the result we wanted and I think we deserved it.
“I was pleased with how I did. I might have had a goal, there were a few chances I could have scored from, but I was happy with how the game went for the team.”