Preston North End star ready to lock horns with the club he supports

Freddie Woodman has admitted he's relishing the prospect of lining up against his boyhood club Newcastle United in next month's Carabao Cup tie.

The Magpies travel to Deepdale in the third round of the competition on Tuesday, August 22 and Woodman can't wait to go head-to-head with his old team.

He said: "Of course it will be a special moment for me. I was a Newcastle fan growing up and I still am now, even though I am at Preston.

"I've got a lot of good friends still at the club, so it will be great to catch up with them and have a good game."

Woodman, who is on a season-long loan at Preston from Newcastle, has played a key role in the Lilywhites' impressive start to the season.

They are unbeaten in their opening four league games and Woodman has yet to concede a goal in the Championship.

Eddie Howe will bring a strong team to Deepdale

Newcastle have made a poor start to the Premier League season, with just two points from their opening four games.

However, Woodman is expecting Eddie Howe's side to field a strong team in the Carabao Cup.

He said: "I think they will bring a strong team. They've got a lot of good players and they'll want to do well in the competition.

"It will be a tough game for us, but we're confident we can get a result."

Preston have a good record against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, having won the last two meetings between the sides.

Woodman is hoping to continue that good run next month.

He said: "We've got a good record against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup and we'll be looking to continue that next month.

"It's a great opportunity for us to progress in the competition and we're all looking forward to it."