As Alan Irvine's side bid to make it four wins out of four tomorrow when they visit Sheffield Wednesday, the young right-back believes fitness is already proving a key ingredient in North End's recipe for success.

"We have looked a lot stronger and fitter than the sides we have played so far," he told the Evening Post ahead of the trip to Hillsborough.

"We have got stronger as they have tired. And I have no doubt that has been a major factor in our results so far."

Jones feels detailed preparation is also giving Preston the edge.

Manager Irvine has been putting on special video sessions on the eve of games and the inside information has already brought results.

"The gaffer does his homework, that's for sure," said Jones.

"Before the opening game at Ipswich he showed us how they switched off for a second at free-kicks and we exploited that to score and win the match.

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"We get a full briefing before every game and everyone then knows what to do and what not to do.

"All the lads agree that the videos help us individually and as a team.
"We know what we are up against with the opposition, their strengths and their weaknesses.

"The gaffer must be really happy to see us taking things on board and, like at Portman Road, capitalising on what he has told us."

North End travel across the Pennines looking to make it four out of four. And Jones feels that in their present mood he and his team-mates can pull it off.

"Someone told me it took us six games to get out first win last season and already we have won three times," said the 21-year-old.

"Not only that, we have also kept two clean sheets and so it couldn't really have started any better really.

"Everyone is excited about it. The important thing now is to keep it going.

"We have been delighted by the way things have begun, especially with some of the football we have played.

"We have shown the same solid base that got us results last year when we needed them.

"We need to show that again tomorrow. But the lads are all confident going to Hillsborough. There's no reason why we can't make it four out of four."

Jones snatched the right-back role from the experienced Michael Hart on the opening day and admits he will have his work cut out trying to keep hold of it.

"Harty did well in pre-season and I thought I had an okay pre-season.

But lucky for me I got the shirt and now it's all about keeping it.

"That's the situation here though, it is tight all over the pitch.
There is competition for 11 positions and you have to be on your toes to stay in the side.

"The gaffer can afford to make changes if he needs to and so you know that unless you are playing well then you could easily lose your place.

"We have some good players waiting to get in the team. That's what keeps you playing well, knowing there is someone breathing down your neck.

"Harty is a top lad and we get on very well. All the lads get on well. But competition is part of football."

Jones felt sympathy for fellow full-back Callum Davidson last weekend when he had to limp out of the Crystal Palace game – and miss his big international chance for Scotland on Wednesday.

"I really felt for him because I know how patriotic Callum is about Scotland and how much he still wants to play for them," he revealed.

"For him to get a recall after six years and then have to drop out with what has turned out to be only a minor injury must be really disappointing for him.

"But he has been playing so well that I'm sure he will get in again."