'Every Championship game is tough' - Heckingbottom

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom says they "have got a chance in every game" but the Championship remains one of the toughest leagues.

The Lilywhites, who are fourth in the table, have been without full-back Brad Potts due to injury and are also missing Will Keane after he got injured in the last pre-season friendly against Bolton.

"[Brad Potts and Will Keane] are still not fit," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"That's it, they are progressing. It is pointless trying to put a timeframe on it.

"You are fit when you are fit, and we have to do all we can to support them through that and that moment when they are training, when they get to that point, we will probably show a bit more caution and patience."

Preston visit seventh-placed West Brom on Saturday with the top 10 in the Championship only separated by six points.

"They are all tough in this league, home and away, it is shown all the time," Heckingbottom added.

"The results are showing this season in particular, how close the league is, the league table is showing that.

"Statistically it has been shown to be the tightest league in Europe, but there are reasons why it shouldn't be in terms of resources, finances, approaches compared to some clubs - but for some reason it is.

"It means you have got a chance in every single game, and every game you need to perform at your best, and every game is a tough game."