HARRISON REALLY IS THAT GOOD

Preston assistant boss McCall admits he was surprised by Armstrong's overall quality

- By JOE THOMAS

Harrison Armstrong celebrates with Preston North End (main); above, in action for the Blues; below, Stuart McCall

(ALEX DODD - CAMERASPORT)

FORMER Everton midfielder Stuart McCall believes Harrison Armstrong has “probably been better than I would have imagined”.

It is a big compliment to the young Blues star - even more so given the extent of the due diligence Preston North End's assistant manager carried out before convincing the Championship club to bid for the teenager on loan.

That effort came off on deadline day, a breakthrough that surprised McCall after Armstrong's starring role in Everton's Carabao Cup win over Mansfield Town.

David Moyes had agonised over whether to sanction his exit but the exposure to first team football at Deepdale appears to be boosting the youngster's development.

“He's doing OK, but he needs to stay with us until the end of the season, there's no doubt about that”, McCall said this week appearing to make reference to concerns among Preston supporters that Everton could seek to recall him in January.

Armstrong picked up an assist on Wednesday night after his long clearance was hunted down by Milutin Osmajic to give Preston a two goal lead over Swansea City.