CRAIG Brown has admitted what the fans have been saying ever since Saturday - it's win or bust tonight against Reading.

Just one win in the last six games has seen North End tumble from the top six into the bottom-half of the table, six points off sixth place and in desperate need of a pick-me-up win.

Brown said: "There is a lot of water to go under the bridge but it looks like particularly since Reading are up there amongst the play-off group that if we are going to get aspirations of being in there we will have to get the three points - I think that is pretty obvious."

Preston are already familiar with Reading. A defeat in the league, a draw in the cup and a win in the replay means it is honours even between North End and the Royals.

Brown now hopes that he can get the fans behind them at Deepdale: "They are footballing side, there is good mobility in their team and we just hope that we will get the support of the home crowd which will make a big difference. If they are totally supportive and patient I think we can get three points."

One player who won't be in contention tonight is Craig Burley. After a one-month loan at Deepdale, the Scottish international has opted not to sign a new deal.

Ironically, he made his debut on Saturday against Ipswich, but the near daily commute from his home in Nottingham is believed to be the reason behind his decision not to stay on.

A question mark also hangs over Jonathan Gould ahead of tonight's game. With Marlon Broomes having to take some of the goal kicks for him at the weekend, Brown must decide whether to chuck Andrew Lonergan - so impressive against West Brom - back into the fray or risk a not fully fit Gould.