Heckingbottom wants Preston to maintain consistency

Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom has called for continued consistency from his players ahead of Friday's game against local rivals Blackburn Rovers.

He said his side should approach the game against Rovers the same as any other fixture.

"We should be putting no more effort into this than we were the last Friday night against Sheffield United or the last away game against Millwall," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"I think we've been doing that because that's why I've been pleased with our consistency if you like in terms of performance level."

Preston are fourth in the Championship after 15 games.

"I would be disappointed if we didn't come and give our best," Heckingbottom added.

"We can't guarantee the result off the back of it but you can guarantee the effort.

"It's our job to try and put the players on the pitch with the belief that we can go out there and carry out a performance that gives us the points."

A bumper crowd is expected at Deepdale.

"It's virtually a sell out," Heckingbottom said.

"We've just got 100 single tickets left, that's it, dotted around the stadium which is really pleasing for me because that's a reflection of how well the players have been doing or probably more importantly how engaged our fanbase is with this team and how much they enjoy watching them so that really brought a smile to my face.

"We try and attack the games and that's us doing our part and the fans have responded with more at home.

"The away following has gone up a notch as well so I think that's all-in-all really positive."

You can listen to more from Paul Heckingbottom on BBC Sounds.