PRESTON North End could move a step closer to their dream of reaching the Premiership, if plans for new training facilities are given approval.

The club wants to build an all-weather covered pitch at its Springfield training ground, Dodney Drive, Lea.

The building is estimated to cost between £450,000 and £500,000, and is a necessary requirement for a long term goal of PNE, to achieve academy status from the Football Association.

Achieving academy status in turn would, say the club, help attract quality young players, and boost the club's chances of being promoted to the Premiership.

Chairman Derek Shaw said the club would not be making an immediate bid for academy status if the new pitch was granted planning permission by Preston City councillors at a meeting on Monday.

"We will have to assess the cost of becoming an academy because money is tight.

"But if the indoor pitch is accepted, almost everything will be in place to go for academy, and that is the long-term aim.

"I don't think it would affect the immediate push for the Premiership, but it's part and parcel of running a better set up."

The club's training ground already has a sports hall, changing rooms and catering facilities.

Mr Shaw added that with clubs like Blackburn less than ten miles away it can sometimes be difficult for North End to attract youngsters, but Andy Lonergan and Paul McKenna were examples of players that had come up through the ranks.

The new facility would be used by the professional players in the day time and used by young players in the evening.