Andy Carroll: “My time at Preston was up and down.
“I didn’t play as many games as I wanted (11) and only scored one goal but it was good experience to be round the first team at 18. Being with the squad was good experience for me.
“It was a bit disappointing. Preston were in bit of trouble and the manager (Rob Kelly) got sacked. It was chop and change for everyone.
“If we were still in the Premier League (Michael) Owen might still be here, Oba Martins, (Mark) Viduka and Sholes (Shola Ameobi), so I would have been fifth choice if they hadn’t brought anyone else in.
“I wouldn’t have got a look-in. So relegation has done well for me.
“It is just down to playing regularly.
“And we have more players for the two positions. Leon Best has provided more competition so you have to work harder. I am not trying to be more selfish in front of goals, it is just the ball is coming to me where I want it and I have been putting them away.
“I am not the finished article but I feel I am getting better with every game and training session.”