Preston boss Ryan Lowe has praised midfielder Ali McCann after his fine performance in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Barnsley.
North End headed to Oakwell in search of three points against the already-relegated Tykes.
Barnsley did take the lead though as Aiden Marsh opened the scoring from terrible Preston defending.
Preston hit back in style though as Daniel Johnson scored twice before Emil Riis sealed all three points in the second half.
There were a number of positive displays in the Preston side and one player who impressed was McCann.
North End fans have been desperately screaming for McCann to be given more of a chance and Lowe threw him in against Barnsley.
Lowe has often used McCann as a wing back rather than as a midfielder, which has often left fans a little frustrated.
On Saturday though, McCann effectively played in both positions as he and Johnson dovetailed brilliantly down the left.
When Johnson drifted infield, McCann stayed wide. When Johnson hugged the touchline, McCann was doing the dirty work in the middle.
The Northern Ireland is just such a superb player; tenacious, hard-working, smart and quick across the ground.
We really hope McCann has a key role next season as Preston just seem to have better control of the midfield when he is in the engine room.
Lowe seemed impressed with McCann’s performance, telling Lancs Live that both he and Daniel Johnson were ‘fantastic’ against Barnsley.
“We needed that balance on the left and we felt we could get down the sides of Barnsley,” said Lowe. “Him and Ali were fantastic,” he added.
With one game to go, McCann’s next big task will be to kick on in a first full pre-season with Preston.
We have nothing but belief in McCann to become a star at Preston and hope to see him thrive under Lowe next season.