LEE CARTWRIGHT must be one of the world's quietest footballers -- but he'll have his moment tonight when Preston take on Premier side Middlesbrough as part of his testimonial year, writes DANY ROBSON.
The Rossendale lad has spent 12 years at Deepdale and watched them move from the old Fourth Division onto the verge of the top flight, only losing to Bolton in the First Division play-off final last season.
The winger does shun publicity but will be Preston's star attraction when they face Steve McClaren's men at Deepdale.
"To be honest it hasn't sunk in what is happening," said the 28-year-old, who has also had a dinner and a golf day as part of his year.
"I feel it is such a great honour to be involved in a game like this.
"It doesn't seem two minutes since me and Ryan Kidd were apprentices together and it has flown by."
Lee has seen seven managers pass through the Deepdale door, the pitch go from plastic to grass and countless players come and go.
"I've seen a lot of changes. The high point has been the promotion years, going to Wembley and last season going to Cardiff.
"It's not often that you get the chance to play in such a huge stadium and in front of those kinds of crowds. You have got to savour those moments."
And he hopes there is more of those as he looks to stay at Deepdale for another long spell.
"I've never wanted to leave here. All the time I have been here I have always been in or on the fringes of the first team.
"I have always been in contention no matter who the manager is.
"They have always fancied me as a player. It has helped that I am local, that I have never had to move away from my family and that has been a bonus. I hope to end my career here."
Manager David Moyes is looking forward to testing his players after their disappointing tour of Austria followed by a 3-1 defeat to Everton on Saturday.
And he's ready to meet a few old pals.
"I've got a few friends at Middlesbrough, I know both Steve Harrison and Steve McClaren well and speak to them quite a bit.
"And obviously it is more imporant because it is Cart's testimonial.
"There are big names coming here like Gareth Southgate, Alen Boksic and Ugo Ehiogu. They are top players and it should be a good game."
The Preston boss is struggling with injury problems with Steve Robinson (stitches in his ankle), Brian Murphy (bruised heel), Graham Alexander (knee) and Ryan Kidd (cartilage) all out.
But there is some good news with striker Steve Basham making his way back to fitness.
Bash broke his leg against Tranmere last October and has got the all-clear for contact sport.
"It's another step forward. He has still got to patient and he is going to need youth team matches before he moves up to reserves and then hopefully the first team," said Moyes.
"But it's also mental -- when he receives the first tackle from behind or the first whack from a centre half and he's wondering which leg he is going to fall on and if it will be alright.
"But the only way to do that is games, to build up his confidence."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article