Preston boss Alex Neil explains why Declan Rudd got the nod ahead of Chris Maxwell to face Blackburn

But Rudd returned for the 1-0 win at Bristol City as Maxwell served a one-game suspension for his red card at Ipswich.

With the Welshman back from his ban for the Lancashire derby, Neil had a decision to make.

“I didn’t take Chris out of the team,” the PNE boss explained.

“Chris was in the team and took himself out of the team by getting himself sent off.

“Declan came in and we won 1-0 and got our first away win of the season.

“Last year I chopped it and changed it quite a bit and in hindsight that was a mistake from me.

“I just feel that if Declan’s in the goal and doing well then it’s his position.

“I thought he made an excellent save from Charlie Mulgrew’s free-kick in what could have been a game-defining moment.

“He had a good game and that’s what you need from your goalies, to make big saves at big times.”