Greg Cunningham not getting carried away despite derby day goal for PNE

Preston North End fullback Greg Cunningham is looking to channel the striker in him, following on from opening the scoring at Blackburn Rovers on Friday night.
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After bringing down a crossfield ball from Alan Browne, Cunningham took a touch before finding the far corner.

Formerly a youth player at Manchester City, the Irishman actually came to this country as a forward.

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The 30-year-old is not getting carried away with his goalscoring exploits though, and is instead focused on giving a good account of himself.

Greg Cunningham in action during PNE's 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.Greg Cunningham in action during PNE's 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.
Greg Cunningham in action during PNE's 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.

He said: “It’s a long time ago now but I used to be a striker back in the day. I came over to England as a striker and then I suppose you slowly get transitioned backwards.

“Then in my academy year at City I played left-back and I’ve been there since.

“At a few clubs when we’ve played 3-5-2 I’ve played wing-back or left of the three. It’s something I’m comfortable with on that left side.

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“It was about taking the instructions from the gaffer and I think the game plan worked to a tee.

Greg Cunningham celebrates with Ryan Ledson and Joe Rafferty after opening the scoring at Ewood Park.Greg Cunningham celebrates with Ryan Ledson and Joe Rafferty after opening the scoring at Ewood Park.
Greg Cunningham celebrates with Ryan Ledson and Joe Rafferty after opening the scoring at Ewood Park.

“I’d love to lie and say the old instincts take over but I think those days are long behind me.

“It’s one of those where when I joined I just said I wanted to contribute as much as possible, churning out consistent, hard-working performances and contributing to maybe some assists and thankfully a goal on Friday.

“It was a nice weekend for me and the boys but now we’re fully focused on Watford and that game is put to bed.”

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Watford come into Tuesday's Championship game (7pm) in flying form having hit Cunningham’s former club Bristol City for six at the weekend.

Though the Hornets will fancy their chances, PNE’s No.37 feels that coming to Deepdale is not a task that should be underestimated.

He said: “It was a big result for them because I know they were win-less in three before that.

“Getting back to winning ways is important and they did that in an emphatic manner.

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“Hopefully it won’t be the same at Deepdale but we’ll make sure we’re prepared and we’ll get focused for that game.

“They’re probably one of the better teams in the division.

“They will be looking at getting promoted so it’s going to be a tough test for us but they’re coming to Deepdale – it’s going to be a tough test for them too.

“We’ll be prepared for the game to make sure we give a good account of ourselves.”

Cunningham rejoined PNE in January on loan from Cardiff City until the end of the season, when his contract in Wales was due to expire.

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Since his initial arrival he has made the move permanent, although the length of his deal at North End is still only until the end of the season.

Returning to Deepdale felt like coming home to the left-back, and he does want to stay beyond this campaign, but admits only time will tell whether that becomes reality.

“I was saying to Alan Browne in the first training session back, it’s felt like an extended holiday,” he said.

“It’s been great coming back, there are a lot of personnel that are still here from my first stint and I’ve just incorporated with the new boys which has been great.

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“There is a great group here. The transition of being back at the club has been very smooth and it’s just up to me now to keep my standards high.

“I see it as a longer-term thing but time will tell.

“I’m here until the end of the year, I’ll give everything for the club between now and then.

“For me it’s about playing games and showing what I can do and repaying the faith shown by the people bringing me here.

“It’s general knowledge that I haven’t been playing many games over the last few years.

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“The club coming in for me in the manner that they did filled me with confidence and it’s about me repaying their faith.”

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