There was something of an exodus of young players at Preston North End in the summer, with the Lilywhites opting against offering professional contracts to many of them. 

The Championship club have a category three academy and it is understood that at this point, there are no plans to try and change that.

That's not to say they don't have any exciting talent's coming through the ranks, however.

There is clearly a path from academy to first team at Deepdale, with Ben Davies a prime examples of that, and we've highlighted two youngsters that fans should keep an eye on moving forward...

Adam O'Reilly 

The 19-year-old has been part of Alex Neil's first-team squad at times this season, including being named on the bench for the EFL Cup game against Brighton.

The all-action midfielder offers dynamism and versatility in the centre of the park, and certainly isn't afraid of a challenge – characteristics that will no doubt make him popular among the Deepdale faithful.

Such were the quality of his performances while on loan at Stalybridge Celtic last term that his coach there tipped him for success at the top.

O'Reilly made his debut back in the 2018/19 campaign and despite not featuring since is someone that Preston fans will want to keep an eye on.

Did these 17 Preston North End players ever actually score a league goal for the club?

 

Ethan Walker

The only youth player given a contract over the summer, Walker penned a deal that should keep him at Preston until at least 2022 – proof of just how highly rated he is.

An explosive forward, the 18-year-old has scored goals for fun at youth level and already has two senior appearances under his belt.

He became the youngest player ever to play a league game for Preston in 2018 but with the threat he poses in the final third, he could become a future fan favourite for other reasons.

Walker has been sent out on loan to League Two side Carlisle United until the end of the season but you feel he could have the Deepdale faithful on their feet in years to come.