Harrison Armstrong is enjoying a very productive loan spell in the Championship with Preston North End.
Preston fans have been blown away by Harrison Armstrong, with many predicting him to become England captain one day.
The 18-year-old has quickly established himself as a talismanic player for North End, who reside in the play-offs heading into Christmas.
Paul Heckingbottom does NOT want to lose Harrison Armstrong! 😳
“It’s more his minutes, it’s more how he’s doing. Is he progressing? That’s Everton’s priority at the end of the season. Is he going to be in a better place?
“Their only other consideration is, ‘Do we need to bring him back and play him?’. Apart from that, it’s what’s going to put Harrison in the best place come the end of the season.”
Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom on Everton’s Harrison Armstrong concerns.
There has been speculation that Everton could recall Armstrong, with Moyes admitting: “That could be a possibility and it is getting much more closer to that possibility and we will certainly consider it.”
Now, Preston have responded ahead of the January transfer window.
Preston North End accept Everton may be forced to recall Harrison Armstrong
Preston assistant manager Stuart McCall spoke to the media after the Norwich City game at the weekend and was asked about Moyes’ comments on Armstrong.
McCall accepted that the Toffees may be forced to bring him back to Finch Farm, but believes that’s not the ideal scenario for both parties.
“No, no. I totally understand where David’s coming from,” the Preston coach explained.
“If you look, he’s got a couple of boys away and Dewsbury-Hall is injured so it maybe possibly makes sense for him to call him back, but hopefully not for too long.
“You know, he can’t go and play for anyone else. I think if you asked Harrison and, to be fair, if you asked David, he would like Harrison staying but I think needs must.”
What would be the best decision for Armstrong’s development? 😬
Everton can send Harrison Armstrong back to Preston if they recall him
It’s understood that Everton can actually recall Armstrong for a month before sending him back to Deepdale ahead of the January window slamming shut on February 2nd.
McCall referenced that in the quotes above, so perhaps that’s been discussed between Preston and Everton.
With Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Idrissa Gueye absent, the Scotsman may decide to bring Armstrong back for a few weeks and then allow him to return to North End when the former is back from AFCON.
Armstrong has been telling his Preston teammates that he wants to stay as he feels it’s best for his development.
Moyes is also keen for Armstrong to continue getting regular game time in the second tier before becoming an Everton first-teamer next season.
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