[themaclad]

Preston North End are pleased to confirm Mikey O’Neill has signed a professional contract with the club which runs until the summer of 2024.

The 17-year-old saw his existing deal extended by a year in April, but has now agreed professional terms at Deepdale which will keep him at the club for at least two more years, while PNE also have the option to extend by a further year.

Mikey made his senior debut for PNE in last month’s home fixture against Queens Park Rangers and has since gone on to make two further appearances for the first team.



Speaking after putting pen to paper, Mikey said: “I’m delighted to finally get it done and sign for the club.

“I’m really happy to get the deal sorted and now I can focus on making my way into the first team, cementing my place around the squad and hopefully making more appearances.

“I can’t wait for July to come now so I can get back to playing, impressing the manager and hopefully I can start playing as soon as possible.”

The Liverpool-born attacker has played a key role in the success of the U19s this season, scoring 11 goals as they lifted both the Youth Alliance League and Cup trophies.

His performances with Nick Harrison’s side, and in the Central League, caught the eye of manager Ryan Lowe, who brought him to Euxton to train with the first team, and Mikey has now had a taste of three Championship fixtures.

Ryan Lowe said: “We’re delighted that Mikey’s signed a professional contract. I’ve said before that he’s someone who impressed me the minute I came through the door in terms of his attitude and his performances.

“We felt it was only right that he was given the opportunity to come up to the first team and he’s been different class in training and when we’ve been able to get him some minutes on the pitch.

“I’m really looking forward to working with him going forward, in pre-season especially, as I think he’s got a great chance of going on to make a good career for himself, and hopefully that’s here at Preston North End.”