Preston North End will be hoping to continue where they left off last season, as the Lilywhites edge closer to another season in the Championship.

While Preston ended the season strongly, finishing in a respectable seventh place, just two points off the play-off places, it was a season of what could have been for Alex Neil and his side.

Having conceded 46 goals in their league campaign, an average of a goal per game, and not having a solid number one choice between the sticks throughout the campaign, it might be time to move on from Chris Maxwell and Declan Rudd, and make way for the new guard.

Maxwell and Rudd shared responsibilities between the sticks last season, making 30 and 16 appearances retrospectively, but the lack of a dominant first choice keeper hindered the squad.

While both keepers are only 27 years old, it is time for Alex Neil to put faith in the youth of his squad, and make their new signing Michael Crowe, who recently signed a two year deal at Deepdale, their new number one.

The 22-year-old might not have the most experience, but after being released by former club Ipswich Town, he can now proves he has what it takes to be the new Preston first choice keeper.

The Norwegian born goalie spent time on loan at Braintree Town and Woking in recent times, and is likely to play second fiddle to likes of Maxwell and Rudd, but deserves to be given a chance to shine under Alex Neil.

With the right-back line in front of him, there is no reason why Crowe cannot become the new Preston number one, and guide them to a high placed finish in the Championship this season coming.

With a Wales call up already to his name, it isn’t just the Preston boss that has been taking not of Crowe's actions, as Ryan Giggs also felt it right to bring him into the national side.

With bags of potential, Crowe might just be keeping out the old guard at Deepdale this season.