What Everton loanee Harrison Armstrong has just said speaks volumes about how highly Preston rate him

Harrison Armstrong has been speaking to Everton’s media team this week and revealed something that shows just how highly Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom rates him.

Everton coaches are convinced Harrison Armstrong will be a superstar, and David Moyes was actually happy for him to stay in the first team this season.

But the decision was made late in the transfer window to send him out on loan to Preston North End to accelerate his development.

Preston fans have been blown away by Armstrong’s performances so far, and there have even been rumours that Everton could recall him in January.

The 18-year-old has been reflecting on his loan spell so far and shared something which is very telling about his reputation at Deepdale.

Harrison Armstrong in action for Preston North End v Charlton Athletic

Paul Heckingbottom has given Harrison Armstrong lisence to free roam
Harrison Armstrong has just admitted that Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom has given him the license to do what he feels best.

That is pretty remarkable for a teenager still learning his trade, so it just goes to show how good he is.

“I’m given that license to sort of have that understanding of where I need to be, depending on how the game is going,” the England youth international explained.

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“I think the first half we needed to get a goal, so the manager obviously wanted me in a bit of a higher position which the first goal helped with coming down my side.”

Armstrong added: “First and foremost I want to help the team win and help the team get in the best place as possible, but I’m also here for my own development and I want to grow as a player.

“I think Everton understands that it’s a tough environment, it’s games every two to three days. I’ve really enjoyed it and long may it continue.”

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Everton should recall Harrison Armstrong in January
Everton don’t have the luxury to allow Armstrong to continue his development in the Championship as their main ball-winner, Idrissa Gana Gueye, is set to leave for AFCON in December.

Gueye could be away for a month, with the final of the competition taking place on the 18th of January 2026.

Armstrong would be a perfect replacement for Gueye, as he’s exceptional at the defensive side of the game as well as the offensive.

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Whereas Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Merlin Rohl and Carlos Alcaraz excel going forward, attacking the final third.

Tim Iroegbunam has proved to be capable, but it would put a lot of pressure on him, and Moyes won’t want to rely on one player.

Armstrong has already proved in his two loan spells at Derby and Preston that he’s more than ready to take on the challenge of the Premier League.