Heckingbottom demanding more goals from defenders

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom wants his defenders to score more goals to take the burden off the forwards.

The Lilywhites have scored just 37 goals this season, the fifth fewest in the division and Heckingbottom has laid the gauntlet down to the back line, who he says should contribute more in the final third.

Jordan Storey and Andrew Hughes have just one goal each among Preston's defenders, with Liam Lindsay, Ryan Porteous, Jack Whatmough and Lewis Gibson yet to find the target.

"How many goals have our centre-backs scored this season? Nowhere near enough," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"They should be chipping in, from corners, free kicks and all set plays. That changes the dynamic of the game across the board."

Preston host Portsmouth on Saturday at Deepdale and are expected to be without midfielder Brad Potts due to a hamstring injury.

Storey could also return having been out since January, and Heckingbottom is hoping his side can pick up from their performance in Tuesday's draw at Sunderland.

"I was really pleased. There were so many good examples of our work against certain systems," Heckingbottom added. "Consistency has been good, but we've got to win when playing well."