At least one fan began waiting at 4am for tickets for Tuesday's league match against Doncaster Rovers, which entitles the holders to a ticket for the Liverpool game.

When tickets went on sale at 9am there were already 40 people waiting.

Manager Alan Irvine said the players too were 'absolutely delighted' when the FA Cup draw paired them with Liverpool at Deepdale.

The tie, on January 3, has been selected for live television with a Saturday prime-time slot on ITV1, kicking off at 5.25pm.

Despite the TV interest, North End are expecting the game to be a 24,000 sell-out.

"Everyone is excited by the tie, right the way through the club," said Irvine.

"And I am sure the fans are as well.

"It's a great draw for a club like this and I hope it will be a really special occasion.

"It's a huge game for us and I know all the lads are buzzing about the prospect of playing against a side who are currently top of the Premier League.

"But having said that it is a long way down the line. We have six very difficult league games to focus on before then and the first of those is on Saturday at Cardiff."

>> Cup clash gets prime-time TV slot