Lancashire

Image source, Rex Features

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom said his side's defeat by Plymouth is a "scare" and wake-up call as they remain at risk of relegation.

The 2-1 loss has dropped them to 19th in the table, one point above the bottom three and level on points with Luton below them, ahead of a final day match against Bristol City next Saturday.

"A scare like this is 100 per cent [a wake-up call]. But all I'm focused on is the preparation and the performance next week. That's it. That's what we mentioned today.

"The missing bits were in both boxes and we should be having a completely different conversation, but I've said that too many times and that's been the one consistent flaw in our performances.

"When we've had the performances, when we've had the chances, we've not picked up enough three points off it and that's the tale of it. When we've not been at our best, we've not been able to get over the line like Plymouth have today.

"It's a tale of both boxes. We were wasteful in their box and they were clinical in ours. That's it.

"Everything else in between is propaganda when you're looking for results. Even though we controlled that bit, the game's always controlled with what happens in both boxes."

Image source, PA Media

Burnley boss Scott Parker told BBC Radio Lancashire after his side's 5-0 victory at QPR:

"It was a classy performance - I thought we were excellent.

"Everything we prepped for the game, the boys nailed it to a tee. We were pretty ruthless and I asked for that.

"It's been a busy week, full of excitement and joy and a bit of relief as well.

"We needed to switch that mindset and become this ruthless animal that we've been for large parts this year - we were superb."

Image source, Rex Features

Burnley are "hopeful" of securing the futures of defender CJ Egan-Riley and midfielder Josh Brownhill, according to boss Scott Parker.

The Clarets secured an immediate return to the Premier League by beating Sheffield United 2-1 on Easter Monday and Parker's attentions have turned to getting the out-of-contract duo to sign new deals.

"They are ongoing conversations we've been having over the last few months and we'll keep engaging with," he said ahead of Saturday's match at QPR (12:30 BST).

"Probably now we all know and there's real clarity on where we're going to be (next season), hopefully we can get some conclusions on both of them."

Egan-Riley has featured in 39 of Burnley's 44 league games this season while Brownhill has scored 16 goals in 42 appearances.

"I am confident - I know both the players have loved this year and been vital to what we've done," added Parker. "Obviously you never know but hopefully we can get to a point where we'll have a bit of clarity on that."

Image source, Rex Features

Preston North End will be without Mads Frokjaer for their crucial home game against fellow strugglers Plymouth on Saturday (15:00 BST).

The midfielder injured his hamstring during Monday's 2-1 defeat by Hull City.

Frokjaer joins midfielders Ali McCann and Brad Potts, as well as goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, on the sidelines.

Preston have won just one of their past 13 league games, a run which has left them only three points clear of the relegation zone but boss Paul Heckingbottom believes his side have the fight to steer clear of trouble.

"I wouldn't question their application or attitude," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"I can't have people criticise the players when they are working as hard as ever - the lads have been let down by other factors."

After Saturday's meeting with Plymouth, Preston finish their campaign at Bristol City.