It has been something of a mixed start to the Championship season for Preston North End.

Although they recently enjoyed a run of nine games without defeat in all competitions, they Lilywhites have also won just two of their 11 league games so far this season.

As a result, Frankie McAvoy's side currently sit 18th in the Championship table, three points clear of the relegation zone.

That is something they will obviously want to improve on sooner rather than later, and given the challenges that emerge with regards to player availability over the course of the season, that may force North End to turn to some of their younger players from time to time.

So with that in mind, we've taken a look here, at two of Preston's most exciting youngsters to keep an eye out for over the rest of the season and beyond.

Lewis Leigh

One Preston youngster who is seemingly already attracting plenty of attention, is midfielder Lewis Leigh.

The 17-year-old signed his first professional contract with North End at the start of this season, securing his future with the Championship club until the end of the 2023/24 season, and it seems that has proven to be a smart move by those in charge at Deepdale.

With Leigh continuing to impress for Preston at youth level, recent reports have claimed that several Premier League sides - including Everton and West Ham - are keen on the teenager. That goes to highlight the potential he has, and meaning he could be one to make an impact at senior level in the not too distant future.

Joe Rodwell-Grant

Another player Preston will have been pleased to see put pen to paper on a professional contract over the summer, is Joe Rodwell-Grant.

The attacker has already scored his first senior goal for the club of sorts, netting in the pre-season friendly at Wigan earlier this summer. The 18-year-old has since gone on to make his first two competitive appearances for the club's first-team during the early stages of this season.

Both of those have come as a late substitute, but with the striker featuring in the matchday squad on several occasions already, it may not be long until he is a more regular sight on the pitch at Deepdale.