Preston North End have surprised many this season after many expected them to be stuck in a relegation fight, whereas they actually sit in 10th position just nine points off the top six.

During the promotion winning season of last year and this term as well, there have been a few young players that have stood out for the Lilywhites.

Simon Grayson's side have undoubtedly been one of the surprise packages in the Sky Bet Championship this season, with the side comfortably sitting in tenth position, having accumulated 56 points from 39 league games.

The side defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-1 in their last Championship match, and have only lost twice in their previous ten league matches.

Here are the THREE players that we think Preston have to keep hold off to build on their solid first season back in the Championship......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE THREE PLAYERS!

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Bailey Wright

Preston are a side who are defensively solid after keeping a total of 52 league clean sheets, since the start of the 2013-14 season.

One player who has helped this to happen is Australian centre-back Bailey Wright.

The 23- year-old defender has featured in 33 matches for North End this season and has put in some fantastic performances.

His ability to win a battle in the air or on the floor is second to none and his ball execution is very impressive.

His outstanding performances over the course of his 176 appearances for the Whites has led to him being called up to the Socceroos national team and he even travelled to South Africa for the 2014 World Cup.

 

Daniel Johnson

Former Villa midfielder Daniel Johnson has got to be one of the biggest steals in the Football League over the last couple of years, after he moved to Deepdale for just £50,000.

The return that Preston have got for that money is unbelievable.

He continues to stun the North End crowd match after match with consistently brilliant performances.

Having a midfielder with an eye for goal is always a handy trait to have in a team and 'DJ' certainly has that. His 8 goals from midfield so far this season have subsequently put him top of Preston's goal scoring chart.

His wand of a left foot continues to impress and the Lilywhites could have a battle on their hands to keep hold of the playmaker.

Alan Browne

The Irish midfielder, aged just 20, has already made 74 appearances for the Lilywhites since joining from Cork in 2014.

His performances haven't been overlooked as just last week he was awarded the U21 Player of the Year for the Republic of Ireland national team.

His youthful exuberance adds a different element to the side and he has very often seen himself picked over the much more experienced John Welsh and Neil Kilkenny this season.

His ability to both defend and attack makes him a fantastic player and it seems as though he can go far. He has recently allegedly attracted attention from Premier League sides such as Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth but the Irishman has recently signed a new deal with the Lilywhites.

Preston fans... How important is it that you keep hold of these players? What are you realistic targets for next season? Let us know in the comments!