The Scotland international reckons there is a good chance results over the festive period will determine which end of the table North End are looking towards in 2009.

"This is the main part of the season, the games either side of Christmas," he said before travelling to South Wales for tomorrow's clash with fellow play-off hopefuls Cardiff City.

"This period will decide whether we will be fighting in the top half or the bottom half of the table.

"If we can carry our run on through the Christmas period, then I'm sure we can be challenging at the top end.

"But if we struggle during the next few matches then we will probably be looking over our shoulders.

"So it is vitally important that we all stay fit and focused over Christmas and give it our best shot."

Last season Preston went into December second-bottom of the Championship.

By New Year's Day, that position had worsened to rock bottom.

And it needed a super-human effort to climb out of the hole that had been dug for Alan Irvine's side during months of indifferent performances.

This year North End have entered the last month of the calendar year in a far healthier state.

By the start of January full-back Davidson still hopes to be in or near the top six ready to give a final push for the play-offs.

"It is a massive challenge to keep our place in the top group because there are so many good teams in this division," he said.

"Tomorrow's opponents Cardiff are a really good side, they are seventh and are very strong and experienced.

"So it's going to be a tough start to a very important month for us.

"I think anybody in the top 12 to 16 have got a chance.

"So we have to make sure we are hard to beat, first and foremost.

"If we don't lose too many games and we can keep picking up the three points every now and again, then I am sure we will be up there."

Last season's trip to Ninian Park was especially memorable for Davidson.

He bagged both Preston's goals in a 2-2 draw, cancelling out a double at the other end from Robbie Fowler.

"It was a bit of a fluke that," said the experienced defender.

"I don't even score two in training, so to get a couple in a match was pretty unrealistic.

"One of them was from a free-kick and I end up fighting for those now Ross Wallace is here.

"But if we get one tomorrow, then I will step up and take it.

"I have always enjoyed playing at Ninian Park and this year is probably going to be the last time because of the new stadium they are building.

"I like playing in the old type grounds and I like the pitch there.

"It has a bit of a dome on it to let the water drain off."

Davidson has never been on the losing side in his three visits to Cardiff City as a Preston player, winning 1-0 in November 2004, and drawing both the others 2-2.

North End arrive in South Wales unbeaten in their last five matches, three of those away fixtures.

And the full-back believes a solid set of results on the road can go a long way towards securing a play-off place.

"Our away form has been decent of late," he said.

"I know this will sound silly, but it is important when you travel away not to get beaten.

"I'm not saying we have to go there and play for a draw. But if you make one point your base and then you can maybe nick it 1-0 or 2-1, that is terrific.

"In our last away game at Derby, we should really have won.

"We should have been out of sight by half-time, but we allowed them to get back in the game.

"But having said that we still didn't get beaten and it kept the run going.

"I would love us to win down there tomorrow, but I think that if we get a point that will be a good result for us."