When Preston allowed Ben Davies to join Liverpool on deadline day, they at least managed to bring in some money, a sell-on clause and a loanee.
None of those things would have happened if Davies had signed a pre-contract agreement with Celtic, as was the initial plan.
Liverpool swooped in, giving Preston £1.6million, a 20% sell-on clause and Sepp van den Berg on loan, with the Dutchman seeking first-team action.
Van den Berg made his first Preston start on Wednesday night, featuring as a right back in the 0-0 draw with Queens Park Rangers.
The 19-year-old is a centre back by trade, but feared well in a right back role, and could have even registered an assist when his superb cross was headed over by Anthony Gordon.
Van den Berg was solid defensively and supported the attack well, meaning he could now receive an extended run at right back.
After the game, Alex Neil told North End’s official Twitter account that he felt Van den Berg was ‘excellent’ last night, praising him for a ‘very good’ first start.
Neil added to the club’s official website that Van den Berg’s display was ‘really mature’, seemingly pointing towards him playing in that role more regularly going forward.