Heckingbottom can see Preston potential

Paul Heckingbottom has won three of his five games in charge of Preston North End

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom said he can see a shift in his side's performances for the first time since his arrival off the back of beating Premier League side Fulham in the Carabao Cup.

Ryan Ledson scored the winning penalty kick after a mammoth 16-15 shoot-out which topped the previous record set in the competition.

The Lilywhites have won one of their three Championship fixtures since Heckingbottom replaced Ryan Lowe on 20 August, but have lost only once in all competitions since his arrival.

"You can't expect it overnight, it has to be something we practice," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"All of a sudden we're a team that's really on the front foot rather than on the back foot in every way.

"It'll take time but I like what I'm seeing. I like the fact there's a willingness and even if they do it then it's on me if it goes wrong and I want them to understand that."

Preston beat Luton Town 1-0 in the Championship in Heckingbottom's first game in charge and followed that up with a 5-0 thrashing of Harrogate Town in the EFL Cup.

A 3-1 defeat by newly promoted Oxford United came after as well as a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on Saturday before they headed into Tuesday's visit of the Cottagers.

Having not had the virtue of a full pre-season and transfer window with his players, Heckingbottom said everyone in his squad will be considered for selection as he works out his strongest side.

"It's always a clean slate when you come in and it's important everyone understands that," he added.

"We'll treat everyone the same way but likewise we expect the same from everyone.

"It's down to them and I have to make my own mind on everyone at the club. You've got to be consistent and give everyone an opportunity."