Preston North End’s on loan forward Lukas Nmecha grabbed a goal whilst away on international duty with England U20s this week and wants to bring that confidence back to Deepdale.
Despite some impressive performances in attack since his summer move from Manchester City, the attacker hasn’t yet been rewarded with a goal in lilywhites that his play has deserved.
However, after the boost of the strike for the Young Lions, he is hoping to kick-on when Blackburn Rovers come to PR1 this weekend.
“I was on standby and got a late call-up, but I enjoyed my time away, I got a goal and hopefully that will carry on into Saturday!” He told iFollow PNE on his return to Springfields.
“It was interesting to come up against Germany, but at the end of the day it is just another game, and I enjoyed it, especially getting the win.
“I am hopeful that will be the starting point for goals for me this season; I will take any I can get! I am hoping to get my first goal for the club on Saturday.”
He has played against Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic, but Saturday’s clash with Rovers will be his first in a proper derby atmosphere, with a 20,000 crowd expected at Deepdale and it is something he is looking forward to.
“I have never played a first team derby before of this size and I am looking to give it my all,” he continued. “A derby always means more and the lads and myself will be doing our best to get the result.
“This couldn’t be a better game to get my first goal. It’s a big game and just getting the win would make us all happy, but if I could get a goal as well, that would be great.
“It has been difficult at times, but we have got through it and I think we can climb up the table now pretty quickly. It would obviously have been better if we had started the season well, but on the other hand I wouldn’t have wanted to start well and then have a dip, at least now we are in good form at an important time and we have some important games coming up.
“These next couple of games will be really high-quality, high-intensity games, they will be hard and tough and we will have to grind and be out of possession at times, but we will also get our chances. The better team on the day will win and I believe with the quality in the squad we have and the belief we have, we can be that team.”
And the extra crowd and noise expected for the game is something the 19-year-old believes will inspire you, especially as he knows that hard work is well-respected by the North End faithful.
“I definitely get inspired by the big games. Once you do something good or run hard, the crowd lifts you up and gives you a boost.
“The fans here really expect the hard work and I wasn’t used to that when I first came and I will always run for the team and give it my all,” he added.
You can watch the full interview with Lukas by clicking on the video at the top of the page; with all iFollow interviews available without the need for subcription.