'It's been difficult' says Preston North End manager Alex Neil as he reflects on recent results

Since the return to action after November's international break, North End manager Neil has overseen three wins, four defeats and a draw.

They go into Friday night's game against Bristol City at Deepdale on the back of away defeats to Barnsley and Luton.

Speaking at Euxton on Thursday morning, Neil said: "It has been difficult, I'm not going to lie.

"Football is always more enjoyable when you are winning, I have been relatively fortunate throughout most of my career I have been in a fortunate position where I have won more than I have lost.

"So this spell for me has been tough."

Neil said he wasn't looking to 'get the violin out' in terms of wanting sympathy in any way.

After Friday's game, North End have a clear week leading up to Christmas before facing Derby Count at Pride Park on Boxing Day, Coventry at Deepdale on December 29 and Nottingham Forest at home on January 2.

Neil said: "When you are a manager doing your job or you are a player, a competitor, the simple fact is there is no room for sympathy, no room for dwelling on things, no room for getting yourself down, feeling sorry for yourself and getting the violin out.

"The only way out of it is hard work, determination, grit, a bit of heart and quality. I'm fine."

On the injury front, Neil said Ryan Ledson and Brad Potts would be assessed ahead of the Bristol City game.

Both midfielders missed the Barnsley game, that the first Championship game Ledson hasn't been involved in this season.

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