Heckingbottom gives squad update, talks league form

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom has been speaking to the media ahead of the Championship match against Bristol City on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Here are the main talking points:

• Preston North End have Lewis Gibson fit to play against Bristol City on Saturday. The central defender had to come off in the second half of last Saturday's 1-0 win at Derby County with a neck injury.

• Striker Milutin Osmajic will be assessed before the team is named. He returned to training today after spending two days in London answering FA charges. Brad Potts is back in training but will not be involved this weekend.

• Amid Osmajic's charges, Heckingbottom has affirmed with his players that he and his staff are available to talk to about issues outside of the training ground, and cites his young coaching staff as a reason his players feel able to do so.

• The successful start to the season is more satisfying for Heckingbottom after questions about squad strength prior to the season starting.

• North End's ability to get points on the road and edge out opponents in close-fought games are seen as the main contributing factors to their positive start, with the club currently fifth in the table.

• Heckingbottom praised the atmosphere created by fans at Deepdale so far and encouraged more of the same, particularly when against higher quality opponents and when in losing positions.

Listen to the full press conference and more Preston North End on Sounds.