James Pradic is loving his experiences training regularly with the first team and has aspirations to one day represent Preston North End.
The young goalkeeper has signed a new contract at Deepdale which will extend his stay at the club until at least 2026.
Having been up at Euxton with the senior side for the previous 18 months, the shot-stopper is looking to continue progressing in the aim of one day making his competitive bow for the Lilywhites.
James said: “I’d love to play in the first team here, of course. I think my journey will be unique in itself; it won’t be the same as other players.
“I’ve just got to bide my time and hopefully my time will come and I’ll be starting in this team.
“I’m very happy. I knew coming into the season I had one year left so to have another two years I’m very delighted.”
Since signing his first professional deal last summer, James has gained experience out on loan with Bamber Bridge, both at the end of last season and in the early stages of this campaign.
He also trains daily with the first team, which the Wales youth international feels benefits him to be able to learn from people who have been there and done it.
James said: “This is my second full season with the first team. Especially the goalkeepers – me, Dai [Cornell], Freddie [Woodman], Polly [Mike Pollitt], we’ve all got a cracking relationship and we get on really well, and all my teammates really, so I’m really enjoying it.
“I get to have an insight into what first team football is, what the squad’s like, what the lads are like as a group, and in training I get to see what I’ll come up against hopefully one day.”
James arrived at PNE in 2021 after being let go by Charlton Athletic, going on to sign a scholarship and he then played a big part in the U19s winning both the Youth Alliance League and Cup during the 2021/22 campaign.
James admitted: “It was [a big decision] because I was 16 at the time, coming away from home.
“I think I went home three times in my first full season so it had a big impact on me, but it’s the sacrifice you’ve got to make so I’m very happy that I’ve taken it.
“I say to my dad I wouldn’t be in the position I am now if I didn’t come here so I’m very grateful and very thankful. Hopefully it’ll keep going the way it is.”