Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe has praised Layton Stewart after emerging as a ‘shining light’ in training.
North End started the season so well but recent results have been a real concern.
From six wins in the first seven games to no wins in the last seven, PNE are suffering a real dip at the moment.
Boss Ryan Lowe may be tempted to change things up against Coventry City this weekend – and that could put Layton Stewart in contention.
Ryan Lowe praises PNE striker Layton Stewart
PNE pounced to sign Stewart in July, landing him from the Liverpool ranks.
Once incredibly highly-rated at Liverpool, Stewart suffered a major knee injury in 2021, which set back his development at Anfield.
Stewart decided to leave Liverpool on a permanent basis over the summer, hoping for first-team exposure elsewhere.
Lowe has been aware of Stewart for a while but his start to life at PNE has been a little slow.
Lowe told Lancs Live in August that he felt Stewart was ‘miles off’ Championship action, believing he needed to be built up physically.
Stewart was seen in individual training last month and he has now made two Championship appearances, coming off the bench for just nine minutes of action.
Stewart finds himself competing with Will Keane, Milutin Osmajic and Ched Evans in attack, whilst Emil Riis will soon be back from injury.
That isn’t easy for a young striker like Stewart, but he has been doing enough to turn Lowe’s head in training.
Lowe has been quoted by PNE’s official Twitter account as saying that Stewart has been a ‘shining light’ in training for the last few weeks.
Lowe added that he is seeing a ‘different side’ to Stewart, who is now disappointed that he isn’t playing more in the Championship.
The PNE boss believes the chances will come for Stewart moving forward, with the former Liverpool talent seemingly making positive progress.
“Layton’s been the shining light over the past few weeks in training. We’ve seen a different side to him. He’s disappointed he’s not getting many minutes but there’ll definitely be opportunities for Layton,” said Lowe.