Heckingbottom 'suffered' during touchline ban

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom admits he "suffered" during his two-match touchline ban as he prepares for a return against Coventry on Saturday.

Heckingbottom missed draws Burnley and Millwall this week after being punished for a red card in the win at Watford on January 21.

He will return to the touchline for this weekend's trip to the Coventry Building Society Arena.

"I'm the one who suffers," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire. "We do all the work in the week. Game day, I feel helpless.

"The biggest thing is I'm not as emotionally involved in the game as I am on the sidelines. When you are detached you feel like you've lost your right arm.

"After the game, too. It is the not the same highs and lows. People say you can get more insight [from higher up in the stands] but I'm pretty good at that because your work gets done during the week.

"You know what is coming. I just want to be on the side of the pitch."

Heckingbottom says Frank Lampard has not changed Coventry's approach since replacing Mark Robins but expects them to come out fighting.

"It seems to be the same players, same system. They seem to have more confidence and have more energy. They pass the ball with an intent to create and win the game.

"We know it is going to be difficult, going there."