It was great for me, I was brought up within half a mile of the ground, so to play for the club I supported as a boy was terrific. Paul was a year younger than me but I have known him since I was 10 or 11 years of age.

I made my Preston debut during the promotion season of 1995/96 against Torquay United and it was obviously a big thrill. Paul wasn’t far behind me, we had some good times together and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

I keep an eye out for the results of all my previous clubs, especially Preston. Personally I always like to see Paul McKenna and David Lucas do well and I keep a watch out for Lucas doing well at Sheffield Wednesday.

It would have been great to see Preston in the Premiership, they were unlucky to lose twice in the Play-Offs, it would have been great to see Paul display his skills in the Premiership. He is a wonderful player with a great touch and he is a terrific passer of the ball, hopefully Preston will be there or thereabouts again this year because I would love to come up against Paul in the Premiership.

I have only been at Deepdale once since leaving the Club and that was for Sunderland. It is always great to get back and I am really looking forward to the game.

I really hope that Paul gets a good turnout because he deserves it for the loyalty that he has shown to Preston North End.