Alty Add Keeper Competition

The 20-year old ex-Wales under-19 keeper trained with his new Altrincham team-mates within hours of signing on Tuesday and goes straight into the squad for Saturday's opening game against Darlington 1883 at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Young made it clear it would now be a straight fight between Preston and Andy Dawber for the first-team jersey, saying: “There's no number one or number two. The position is up for grabs, and whoever stakes the stronger claim will have it. Callum gained plenty of League Two experience with Crawley last season and has been signed to provide extra competition for the goalkeeping spot.

“We've got two good young keepers now, and I'm pleased with that. Callum will train again on Thursday and is in the squad for Saturday.”

Born in Stafford but raised in Welshpool, Preston joined Birmingham City's youth academy in 2008 and signed professional forms with the Championship club in June, 2014.

He accepted a one-year deal with Crawley last summer, but was not kept on at the end of the season, despite making ten first-team appearances.

In addition, up-and-coming youth team prospect Harry Cain has officially been drafted into the senior squad after impressing during Alty's programme of pre-season games.

“Harry has signed forms for the first-team, and it is well deserved,” said Young. “He has done really well in the last few weeks, and it just shows what we are trying to do with the younger element here. It doesn't matter about age; if they are good enough, they will be given an opportunity”.

John Edwards