It's Frankie time! McAvoy takes the reins today for the first time as leaders Norwich City come to Deepdale

It is 12 days since McAvoy was asked to take the reins from Alex Neil and given the title of interim head coach.

The international break delayed him standing in the technical area as the main man but the Scotsman will be there this afternoon (3pm) as the Lilywhites host Norwich City at Deepdale.

McAvoy says that will be a proud moment as the quest starts to get the points needed to keep PNE a safe distance from the relegation places.

Although the build-up has been a long one, the interim head coach has enjoyed it.

He will enjoy it even more if North End can get something out of the Canaries who top the Championship.

McAvoy said: “We are all working together for a common goal which is to win as many games as possible.

“We are pulling in the same direction, we all seem to be in the right seats on the bus and hopefully we drive it in the right direction.

“I’m excited by what is in front of us. Anybody who is put in this position would be stupid to say they weren’t excited and looking forward to the challenge.

“This is Preston North End, I know what the club means to so many people.”

Norwich come to Deepdale having won nine games in a row before drawing against Blackburn a fortnight ago.

That run has put them on the verge of a return to the Premier League at the first attempt and McAvoy has every respect for his former club.

As well as working as Neil’s No.2 at Carrow Road, he also had a spell on Daniel Farke’s staff before coming to PNE to link up with Neil again.

Said McAvoy: “I worked with Daniel and his No.2 Eddie Riemer for four or five weeks.

“Daniel is a lovely guy, I have a great relationship with him, I had a great relationship with all the people down there who employed me.

“This is Daniel’s third time in the Championship.

“The first season there was tough for him, coming in and finding his feet.

“In his second season he won the Championship and now he is stood in the same position where he is going to get promoted again.

“Daniel has done extremely well there and deserves all the accolades.

“It’s my job and that of the staff to put a Preston team out there which will play the best it can against Norwich.

“This game has been the focus since early last week.”

PNE got Alan Browne and Jayson Molumby back from international duty with the Republic of Ireland yesterday.

Browne is suspended for the next two games but Molumby is in contention.

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