Chaplow signed in the January transfer window but the ex-Burnley and West Bromwich Albion man missed the 0-0 draw at Bloomfield Road in March.

Now Chaplow will get his first taste of the special derby atmosphere when the old rivals go head to head on Sunday lunchtime.

"I can't wait and all the boys know how much the game means to our supporters, so we'll give it our very best shot," said Chaplow.

"We want to give our fans the bragging rights, and we can do that.

"Although I didn't play at Blackpool, I was at the game and fully understand what this fixture is all about to our fans.

"I know what to expect on Sunday and I want to try to make it a special one for Preston.

"The conditions could be difficult, with the ground open to the elements and the part that windy conditions could play in the game.

"However, we'll just have to deal with that and make sure Blackpool don't hurt us.

"It will be intense, intimidating, and fiercely contested, but hopefully we can get the ball down, let our passing do the talking and our quality will shine through.

"I love the derby games and although it is a healthy rivalry, let's hope there's no trouble off the pitch."

Chaplow is back in the frame after an injury-hit start to Preston's campaign.

The hard-tackling midfielder played a key role in North End's splendid start, winning August's Championship player of the month prize.

But a hamstring injury at Coventry in September left him on the sidelines and when he suffered a repeat in the 3-1 defeat against his former club Burnley a fortnight later, his absence coincided with North End's form slump.

Chaplow, though, returned to action as a second-half substitute at Carrow Road, helping North End grab their first point on the road for nearly two months.

"We'll need more of that fighting spirit tomorrow, but I thought it was a terrific point at Norwich," added Chaplow.

"The lads were desperately disappointed at the manner of the defeat to Southampton.

"The gaffer made comments about our professionalism after the Southampton loss and he was right.

"But on the flip side, we showed great professionalism to come back and get a draw at Norwich after going 2-1 behind. We showed terrific character then and the spirit in the camp in general is superb.

"It was fantastic to be involved again and it would be great to be in the thick of the action at Bloomfield Road.

"The injury was a real blow, though, and I've really grafted really hard to get right again, so hopefully that's the end of it now.

"My priority now is to help Preston to victory on Sunday and try and move North End further up the table."

North End and Blackpool are locked together on 21 points, but the Seasiders slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Ipswich Town last time out.

Even so, Chaplow predicts the Seasiders can be dangerous opponents.

He added: "Blackpool are a strong, competitive outfit and Simon Grayson has done a great job establishing them after winning promotion in 2007.

"He is trying to cement their place in the Championship now and they've had some good results this season so we know it will be a big test.

"I'm sure they'll be up for it, so we are going to have to be very strong at the back, and compete for every kick."
Chaplow is convinced North End are strong enough to launch a play-off charge.

"I have no doubt that we have the players here to do that and I think we can," he added.

"After a great start to the season, we don't feel like we've got back into top gear again since then, so there is a lot more to come from Preston.

"But we are still in touching distance – just four points behind the last play-off berth – and hopefully we will get another big lift on Sunday."



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