Man City youngster Liam Delap makes admission on his future amid Preston loan spell

Liam Delap believes he will "one hundred percent" return to Manchester City a better player this summer, despite enduring final-third frustration while out on loan.

The highly-rated striker joined Stoke City last August, but then made the mid-season Championship switch to Preston North End - with Lilywhites manager Ryan Lowe swooping in for his services.

Delap remains on the hunt for his first PNE goal with two matches left to play - unless the Deepdale outfit make an unlikely late break into the top six. The City man did play a huge role in North End's last-gasp leveller against Blackburn Rovers last weekend, though, and reflected on his time in Lancashire post-match.

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"I think it's been difficult at times and it's been good at times," he said. "But it's been a great experience. As a young player, you need this sort of experience in your career.

"It has been a very good six months for me. Although I've come into men's football for the first time properly, it's been great. I have really enjoyed my time here. It's a good group and the togetherness is there - they have welcomed me with open arms and I have been pleased with that.

"It's hard being on the bench, but it's part of football and you always have to be ready to take your chance and opportunity. You just have to prepare right and prepare as if you're playing because you never know what's going to happen.

"I think obviously compared to academy football, the strength, the physicality and the know-how of how the game is played is a lot better. So I think it has improved me in that sense. Every game, the opposition are all experienced players. Every team has a different style of play, so every team I play