Preston North End manager Alex Neil hits back at 'criticism' claim over Daniel Johnson

Pearson, Davies, Johnson and Alan Browne are all out of contract in June 2021, with North End attempting to negotiate new deals with them.

On Saturday against Watford, Pearson and Davies made their first starts for six week after being sidelined by injury.

Both caught the eye and earned praise from Neil in the post-match press conference at Vicarage Road.

A report in Scotland took such comments to mean Neil was having a go at Johnson - by not mentioning him during the press conference - claiming it was 'coded criticism' of the midfielder for who Rangers had a £1.5m bid turned down in September.

Speaking on Monday at the pre-match press conference ahead of the visit to Bournemouth, Neil said: "Somehow, somebody in Scotland managed to turn me praising the two Bens to me slagging DJ off which I find absolutely incredible, what a ridiculous comment.

"I don't know where DJ seemed to appear in that in any way, shape or form.

"I trust DJ as much as I trust any player I have ever worked with. For anyone to suggest otherwise is absolutely ridiculous."

Pearson and Davis were PNE's best two outfield players against Watford without question.

Although Pearson got 20 minutes as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, Saturday was his first start since October 18.

Davies had not featured at all since the same date due to an ankle injury, only returning to training earlier last week.

Neil said: "The two of them got mentioned due to the fact they had been out for six weeks and to come back in having had very few training days and producing what they did, that is all I was talking about, DJ didn't even get mentioned in the equation.

"It just shows you what people can take from innocent comments and try and manufacture something else."

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking here