Dana Amaral admits he’s excited to see what the future holds for him after signing his first professional contract with the club.
After impressing in the second year of his scholarship, the 18-year-old has penned a one-year deal at Deepdale, with the club having the option of an extra year.
He played in the second half of Tuesday’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Tranmere Rovers and is also getting the chance to join the senior squad in Spain during the upcoming training camp.
Talking to iFollow PNE after signing his deal, Dana said: “I’m feeling good. It’s a change of environment, but I’m excited for what the future holds now.
“When you sign for Preston, the aim and what you’re always getting told is you want to sign a professional contract.
"You want to be in and around the first team to get that exposure to first team football so it was always the aim.
“Twelve months ago, I probably wasn’t looking at myself being in the position that I am now, but around the end of the season I really picked up my game and worked with the coaches at the U18s and I’m here now.”
Ryan Lowe has openly said he will give opportunities to younger players as long as they are good enough.
He has certainly stuck to his word too, with the manager having handed Mikey O’Neill his debut towards the back end of the 2021/22 campaign, and plenty of the young lads have been involved so far this pre-season.
Dana added: “It’s good to see that he’s open to giving young players a chance, like he’s done with Mikey.
“He gives everyone around the Academy something to work towards to get to the first team and realise that there is a chance, and that Ryan Lowe is open if you’re good enough to give you that debut and get you in and around the first team.
“He’s been good. He’s said he’s been impressed, so hopefully I keep impressing him.
“Hopefully I’ll get good feedback and I’m excited to keep working with him.”
The midfielder will be working with his manager for at least the next week, given that he has been told he will be part of the squad to travel to Alicante on Friday.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” admitted Dana. “But getting told now and everything’s been done so quickly I’m more excited.
“It’s literally around the corner, two days away, so I’m excited to get going.”
Watch Dana's full interview above on iFollow PNE.