Chris McGrail signed his first professional contract at North End in the June of 2007 after progressing through the youth system.

The striker was offered a deal by manager Paul Simpson following a great season in the youth team where he finished top scorer. He acknowledges that the next couple of seasons are going to be tough but has set a realistic target of becoming a reserve team regular for the forthcoming 2007/08 campaign.

McGrail is yet to make his senior bow for North End, but he recently enjoyed a taste of professional football after a 'work experience' spell with Accrington provided him with the chance to make two appearances from the bench during his final year as a youth team scholar.

He was recalled early from his loan spell as boss Paul Simpson needed cover for his first choice strikers, but in his brief stay at the Fraser Eagle Stadium he caused something of a stir - not least because it was later revealed that he wasn't eligible to have played at senior level for Stanley due to his YTS status at Deepdale. Stanley were later fined £12,000 for coupling that indiscretion with the selection of another ineligible youngster, Martin Fearon.

McGrail has come close to featuring with the PNE first team - securing a place on the bench for two encounters with Sunderland around the turn of the year during the 2006/07 season.