Bristol Rovers have announced the signing of Josh Ginnelly on loan from Preston North End.
The 22-year-old winger joined Preston from Walsall a year ago but has yet to break into the side at Deepdale.
To get the lowdown on what to expect from the new Rovers signing, we spoke with Lancs Live's Preston North End reporter George Hodgson.
Can you sum up what sort of play Ginnelly is?
We haven’t seen too much of him bar pre-season and the odd outing in the Carabao Cup. But, he’s lightning quick, confident and seems to have all the attributes you’d associate with a natural attacking winger.
Why hasn't it worked out for him at Preston (so far)?
As he hasn’t played too much, it’d hard to pinpoint a real aspect of his game as the definitive reason. Alex Neil sees him everyday in training though and he likes his wide players to be very defensively aware, so that would be the best guess. Neil has been patient with players he’s signed from lower leagues before, in Jordan Storey and Tom Bayliss so this isn’t a major surprise.
What are his best attributes, and what areas of his game does he need to work on?
Very quick, likes to dribble and go at defenders. Perhaps his end product needs work but that feels slightly harsh as he hasn’t had the chance to properly show PNE fans what he can do. He did score a hat trick againt Chorley in the Lancashire Senior Cup, but has failed to break into the side since then. On occasions he’s slotted in at full back so he’s versatile & appears to have the right attitude. He hasn’t grumbled or complained and gets on with training and working hard.
What formation and/or role do you think he'll operate best in?
A 4-3-3 where he has the freedom to create chances from wide positions. He’s got a decent strike on him too so League One, where you naturally get more chances in games, should do him no harm.
What's he like personality-wise?
He seems a young, hungry and bubbly character. On photos in training he always has a smile on his face and he seems to have settled into the PNE squad well and is well liked among the rest of the players. That of course could be entirely wrong but that’s the impression you get. He’ll be desperate to get some game-time under his belt & show what he can do.
How do you see him faring in League One? Is this a good move for him?
I think so. It seems to tick all the boxes. Having impressed with Walsall he has competed at League One level before and Bristol Rovers, if the deal goes through, will add an exciting player to their ranks who is eager to prove a point.
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