YOUNG defender Sean Preston can’t wait for the season ahead after completing his move to Sauchie Juniors.

The centre-back put in some impressive performances for Sauchie Amateurs last term, and has been rewarded as he makes the step up with the East Premier champions.

And the local boy is looking forward to the challenge of breaking into his new side’s starting lineup.

Preston told Advertiser Sport: “I’m really excited for the season and I can’t wait to start playing.

"It’s a great opportunity. I’m coming from amateur football so there is a big step up but I’m really looking forward to the challenge.

"There’s the added aspect of me being a local boy, which makes me even more determined to succeed here.

“I’ve been so impressed with the way things are run here. The facilities are top notch and the training has been great too. I’m really enjoying being involved with the club.

“I’ve been given a great chance here and I need to grab it with both hands and cement my place in the team.

"There are a lot of good players here so I know how difficult it’s going to be, but the club is moving in the right direction and I want to be part of that. It’s a really exciting opportunity for me.”

Preston joins a new-look backline at Beechwood Park, with fellow central defenders Stuart Bell and Taylor Gordon also signing on, and the youngster is keen to learn from the more experienced duo.

He said: “Playing alongside Taylor and Stuart will be good for me because they’ve both got a lot of different experiences in the game.

"That means I’ll be able to learn from them, and I’m looking forward to that helping me to improve as a player. Hopefully that will help me be ready to step up when the time comes.”

Preston knows he faces a tough task to nail down a place in the team, with Sauchie boasting a talented and highly-competitive squad for their first season back in the Super League, but he is confident he has the ability to take his chance when it comes.

He added: “My aim for the season is obviously to break into the starting eleven and cement my place in the team. I know how tough it will be, especially as I’m making a big step up, but I’m confident I’ll be able to take my chance when it comes.”