Scott Sinclair felt Burnley’s visit to Deepdale provided a ‘great run out’ for him and his Preston North End team-mates, as the Lancashire rivals battled to a 0-0 draw at Deepdale.
A competitive contest saw chances for both sides and North End’s No.31 was unfortunate not to have scored on the stroke of half-time – his shot having appeared to have crossed the line but play continued without a goal being awarded.
However, Sinclair stressed that the focus remained on building up match fitness as part of the pre-season process – and was pleased to play for the full game for the first time in the preparation stages of the 2020/21 campaign.
“It was a great run out, I think all the boys did very well, it’s a shame we didn’t actually come away with a win, but it’s pre-season – it’s about getting 90 minutes into the tank and having no injuries going into the next game,” Sinclair told iFollow PNE.
“I think the first ten minutes, it took us time to settle into the game. After that, we came in spells, we kept the ball and we created chances – that’s the main thing when you come away from a game.
“The defence did very well, I thought they looked strong and we looked compact as a team. They did very well and next time they come up against a Premier League opposition they can deal with it.
“When the sun’s out, it makes it a little bit more difficult and you’ve got to stay focused and concentrated all the time and make sure you make no mistakes and you carry on for the 90 minutes.”
Sinclair pointed out that the Lilywhites might have got the opening goal if goal line technology had been in use but wouldn’t be left dwelling on that moment.
“That’s what we said to the referee, but that’s what he said, that we didn’t have it [the technology], we just have to move on from there. It’s a little bit of a shame that we didn’t win but I thought we played well and onto the next one.
“Obviously, Jayden up top and pulling it back to me, that would have been a great assist.”
The January recruit from Celtic is excited for the start of the season and agreed that the club’s purchase of the Euxton Training Ground will provide the squad with a further boost ahead of the Championship opener against Swansea City in less than a fortnight’s time.
“All the boys, everyone’s looking forward to the start of the season. Pre-season is going very well, we’re getting a number of games under our belt and hopefully everyone will be fit for that time when it comes around and we’ll all be ready.
“It’s very important,” he continued of the training ground. “It’s great that we’re getting a new training ground and it’s all gone through. It just shows the direction of the club, where we’re heading.
“First the training ground and hopefully now we can start performing and start working our way up.”
Watch more from Scott by watching the video above.