Paul Heckingbottom press conference: Daniel Iversen injury update, Blackburn Rovers derby night and more
PNE face Blackburn Rovers on Friday night at Ewood Park
Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom discussed a range of topics ahead of facing Blackburn Rovers on Friday night.
Recap the key points from his pre-match press conference, below...
On availability and the strength of his squad
“Yes, I think it's going to be crucial for us,” Heckingbottom told BBC Lancashire. “Listen, when you've put a squad together like this, you do it knowing you're going to have to make hard decisions at some point. But the decisions are for helping us pick up as many points as possible, and I'd much rather have those options.
“We saw the impact of the bench at the weekend and then we were able to change it again to get more control of the game again. When you're stood on the sideline, that's vital. Add to that Robbie (Brady) coming back, Pottsy coming back, two real experienced people. Liam Lindsay is still to come back, who's not far away... Daniel Iversen, Milos (Lukovic) who's working hard now.
“We want to really work on his fitness while he's out of the group and get him ready for that next opportunity that he gets. So, all of a sudden we've got options in key positions and the ability to change the games from the bench. My intention between now and the end of the season, if we can keep everyone fit and everyone's training the way they are, is to really use that bench.”
On Daniel Iversen...
“I could play him tomorrow but I wouldn't be certain at the minute how he'd react if he's under pressure to kick the ball, so yeah, that's the way it is,” said Heckingbottom to BBC Lancashire. “He's trained, he's done the small side of games today and everything bar really striking the ball, because that's where I think he's still apprehensive and the medical team's still apprehensive.”
On the form of his midfield in recent games...
“I thought in particular Ben and Ali were excellent at the weekend,” said Heckingbottom. “Definitely... listen, I'd love them to add more goals. We say that all the time. Ali is making the box and getting there. It just depends what balance we want to strike in that midfield.
“We played away at Ipswich and I thought the three midfielders, Ali, Ben and Jordan, were fantastic. I don't think that dynamic always suits us in certain games at home, when I might want more threat higher up the pitch. That's another reason why Andy's in, because we've then got Alfie, Dobbo, Callum. We can change that player, if you like, to add maybe more creativity, maybe more goal threat.
“But we can't do it at the expense of being a team that's really dogged out of possession, really organised, got a desire to win the game, track the runs, make the blocks, make the tackles. We've certainly got the options to, like I said, change the dynamic of the midfield - as long as we don't lose what's important, which is dominating the middle of the pitch.”
On Ben Whiteman’s season...
”I certainly think he's playing better this season than last, in lots of ways,” said Heckingbottom. “Still challenging him a lot and the good thing is generally, when he's challenged with it, he responds to it. You can see that intent to try and do it. Great response at the weekend again to get on the ball more, get on it from throw-ins.
“He actually creates the goal from exactly something we were speaking about. So, yes, he's someone who wants to do well. He's someone who wants to win the games and I said, I don't think anyone should settle. It's hard and you've got to try and spot it, I think, when you're the manager, because everyone tries their best, everyone.”
“But how do you still generate that edge to play with what you need to be successful and get to the top? There's only a select few players who can do that themselves. Other than that, we've got to try and maintain it, if you like, over a long season by things that we do with players, say to players, teams we've picked, that type of thing.”
On surprise at Blackburn Rovers’ position...
”Yes, listen, when I've watched them they've generally looked good,” said Heckingbottom. “A team with energy, a team who are fully committed, a team who can be dangerous. Yes, they might have been open at the other end in one or two games I've seen but then I see some results and I see what is said when they've maybe not performed; I've not seen those games.
“I've seen the team, like you said, who came to Deepdale, who played with energy, were dangerous and that's the team I'm expecting to show up tomorrow. The stats back that up, that they're really game. I think they'll be surprised they're down there again. A lot's been said about the club, how it's run, finances, this and the other.
“But they've signed some good players, made a lot of signings and like anyone who's down there, they're going to be disappointed. They've made a change which they think is for the better, brought in an experienced manager and we'll prepare for a really tough game. (His) first home game... it adds to what we know anyway.
“It was a derby game on TV. The fans will turn up now; new manager. They'll be wanting the reaction from the players, all that type of stuff. I think from our point of view, we focus on us, our performance. If we play really well, Blackburn are going to have a tough night and they're going to have to play well themselves to get something out of it.”
On Friday’s occasion, atmosphere and bragging rights...
“I think where we are lucky is we've got a Friday night game,” said Heckingbottom to BBC Lancashire. “We've got a huge away following, it's under the lights, cameras are there, so that brings its own difference and its own atmosphere, which is good. So, that's great and then the only other way to get the atmosphere crackling is with performances and what happens on the pitch.
“So, yeah, I think we have got a head start because it's a Friday night and it's under the lights, a huge following and it does generate a different feeling. The atmosphere we had last time, when it was a really strange game in the end and we were kicking towards all our fans at the end, when Josh had a nightmare.
“It probably made for a good TV game, spectacle, lots of talking points, good atmosphere. I can talk about that now but at the time, it's irrelevant when you don't come out on the right end of the result. I'd love to beat them but I don't carry anything forward – not that I'd share anyway – into any fixture against any team.”