WALES CALL-UP IS MY DREAM
IT’S not a decision he took lightly, but goalkeeper Chris Maxwell says his switch into the Championship with Preston North End will bring him the one thing he craves – international football with Wales.
The St Asaph-born stopper joined Fleetwood Town from Wrexham in 2012 and has been the Cod Army’s indisputable No.1 after taking over the gloves halfway through the 2013-14 season.
That same year, the 25-yearold kept three clean sheets in Fleetwood’s victorious League Two play-off campaign.
So, it’s no surprise that not only Preston have come knocking but also Wales boss Chris Coleman, who has included Maxwell as a standby in his Euro 2016 squad.
His fine form in League One was ultimately not enough to earn an assured place, but the former age-group international insists he can clinch his first senior cap by impressing in the Championship.
“It was an emotional decision,” he said.
“I had four good years at Fleetwood, achieved some really good things as a team and, on a personal level, made some good friends, but at the same time I want to play week in, week out in the Championship.
“I feel that is the next step in my career and, thankfully, I have been given the opportunity to do that and I want to ensure it becomes a reality.
“Everybody who has watched me over the years knows how big a move to a club like Preston North End is for me.
“I have no doubt that, with the coaches they have in (goalkeeping coach) Alan Kelly and Simon Grayson, they will improve me further from what Fleetwood did.
“Hopefully, that will give me the final little push to get into that Wales squad.
“I have just got to make sure I perform day in day out for Preston. I have to give it my best and we’ll see what happens then, but it is certainly there in my mind.
“I have always wanted to play for Wales and that is never going to change.
“It would be a dream come true. I was born and raised in Wales and it would be massive for me if that chance comes about.”
Adventure
Lilywhites manager Simon Grayson called on loanees Anders Lindegaard and rising Sunderland star Jordan Pickford last year, and also had one-time England cap Chris Kirkland at his disposal.
But Grayson has cleared the decks and placed his faith in Maxwell as Preston bid to end a top-flight exile that has now ticked on to 55 years.
Maxwell will have to wait only a month before he officially starts his new adventure – and he is confident he can hit the ground running after tying up his future as soon as the season ended.
“I think being confident is the key and I am relishing the challenge,” he said.
“The manager and the club have put a lot of belief in me and are backing me. I am just hoping I can go in and claim that No1 shirt.
“It is good to get it done early. I am just glad it is all sorted now and I can have a little bit of a chill-out on holiday and really focus back in pre-season.
“I am really, really happy. I think it is a fantastic club and there is such an experienced staff there. Guys that are vastly experienced in the Championship, too.
“It is only going to progress me as a player over three years.
“I am confident in my own ability and I am looking forward to June 30 when I join up with the boys and being in the best shape I can possibly be.”