Trotman signed for �500,000 from Oldham in January (Getty)

Preston defender Neal Trotman has been urged to make the most of his first-team chances by North End boss Alan Irvine.

The 20-year-old made his debut against Plymouth on Saturday after Sean St Ledger picked up an injury.

"I'm delighted for him because he's waited a long time," Irvine told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"It's an opportunity for him. Unfortunately it's at Sean's expense, but you take a debut whatever happens."

Since the turn of the year we've played really well and the lads have done a fantastic job Alan Irvine

Trotman is likely to be given an extended run in the first-team after Preston secured their place in the Championship.

And Irvine admitted he can now start planning for next season.

"There were certainly times when it was looking very difficult," he said. "But since the turn of the year we've played really well and the lads have done a fantastic job.

"They've understood what's been required of them and barring the odd setback they've been fantastic since then."