Preston boss happy with attitude of former Cats target Hugill
PRESTON North End boss Alex Neil admits Sunderland summer transfer target Jordan Hugill had his head turned by speculation of a move away, but says the striker is now focused on his football.
Grayson was desperate to bring the Middlesbrough-born target man to Wearside with him this summer.
However, Preston were insistent that they did not wish to sell the 25-year-old, who netted 12 league goals last term. As the window went on, big spenders Wolves and Birmingham also became interested, but still the Lillywhites held firm.
Grayson’s successor Neil said of the transfer saga: “It wasn’t anything like ‘thank God the window has shut’ because from the get-go we had been consistent about it.
“Jordan and his agent and everyone connected with it were told in no uncertain terms that he is our player and we wanted to keep him.
“We were fine with that. Jordan has trained really well, he is focused and ready to go.”
Hugill will be expected to line-up for Preston on Saturday against Barnsley.
He’s played all five league games thus far, netting once.
And Neil says he’s not concerned about the player’s attitude or commitment.
He continued: “There won’t be any problems. The fact is when someone comes along and promises you the riches of the world, you are going to get your head turned.
“That is what happened with the lad, it is only natural.
“The good thing is he is focused on what he has to do here, he wants to improve and wants to do well.
“We will benefit from that, so that is great.”