'Pointless worrying' over relegation says PNE boss

Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom says it is "pointless worrying" about relegation before Saturday's decisive game against Bristol City.

The Lancashire side are only one point above the relegation zone after a winless run of seven league games and can only guarantee safety with a victory, although even if they lose, Hull City and Luton will both need a point away at Portsmouth and West Brom respectively to send Preston down.

However, the Robins are also chasing points to firm up a place in the play-offs, with a win securing their top-six spot.

"The thinking about it, the worrying about it, is worse than being in it," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"It's a game we want to win, we need to win. There will be a different dynamic to it because Bristol City are thinking the same thing.

"It's pointless worrying about it. We can't take any of that into the game."

While events at other matches may affect the overall outcome for either team and Heckingbottom will have one eye on what is happening elsewhere, he says he won't take too much notice until the match nears its conclusion.

"I only think it comes into play in the last five minutes," he added. "Even if the game is in the balance for both sets of managers, when it gets to the end and you're thinking about substitutions and things, you've got to know."

Heckingbottom will not be present in the dugout for North End's final game after receiving a two-match ban on Friday.