Josh Earl has capped off a whirlwind first three months to his professional career by signing a new contract at the club.
The 18-year-old left back has put paper on a deal that runs until at least the summer of 2020.
After coming through the Lilywhites’ Academy, Earl signed his first professional contract is the summer and went on to play a significant role in pre-season.
Then after the unfortunate injury to stand-in skipper Greg Cunningham, the youngster came into the side and has played the last four games, as the team have gone unbeaten, keeping three clean sheets.
Manager Alex Neil revealed that discussions for the player’s new deal had begun before he gained his first team opportunity and feels that the No.32 has a bright future ahead of him
He said:
"Josh has been excellent, he's been a real surprise for me because I didn't really know anything about him. He played at Lancaster last year and came through the youth system and as soon as I saw him in the first couple of games I thought we had a cracker on our hands.
"I think for what he has done in the first team he has been rightly rewarded, he has all the attributes to become a top player for us going forward."
Whilst the youth team graduate was delighted to have agreed new terms, adding: “I'm happy to sign it, it has all happened for me in the last few weeks and I can't thank the gaffer enough for the opportunity he has given me.
"Obviously getting my first pro contract was a big thing for me but signing this new contract is a big moment for myself and my family and I'm happy with how I have done so far.
"I never expected all this to happen, the plan was to go on loan at the start of the season and get games but the opportunity came about here and I like to think I have taken it. The first four games I've played have been tough but slowly and surely I'm getting to grips with it."