PREST0N boss Craig Brown has set his upwardly mobile team a new end-of-season target -- Let's make it to the top half.

Tuesday's victory over Watford at Vicarage Road lifted North End above 18th place for the first time this year.

In the last six games, they have taken 13 points from a possible 18 which has opened up a 15 point gap from the relegation zone.

Although getting stuck in the relegation quagmire had become a major concern among fans during Preston's baron festive six match run of defeats, Brown says he always knew his team would pull through.

He said: "Looking over my shoulder has never occurred, I don't think we have ever been thinking about going down.

"Had it not been for the bad run at Christmas I think we would be in a very good league position now.

"If we can win a few more games I have no doubt we will get into the top half of the table and that is when we will take it from there.

"Top half is now the target and anything else would be a bonus."

Preston now have 44 points from 34 games, while Wolves, bottom place in the play-off zone at present, have 55 from 44. The Watford victory was Preston's second success on the road in four days. They saw off Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 at Hillsborough on Saturday.

That victory was sealed by former Owl Richard Cresswell and it was a goal which prompted Brown to say: "He is one of the best strikers in our division."

That probably isn't what David Healy wanted to hear. Back from his loan spell at Norwich, Healy had been hoping to make a forceful case for a starting position.

But with George Koumantarakis setting up the winner on Saturday for Cresswell, changes upfront look likely ahead of Saturday's home clash against Derby.

A former Premiership team they may be, but a poor run of form has meant they have replaced Preston in 18th position.

A shake-up in midfield is more likely for the weekend, with Paul McKenna an injury worry after suffering a dead leg during the first half of Tuesday's game.

Dickson Etuhu is also doubtful, leaving a question mark hanging over who will partner Brian O'Neil. It could be a chance for Michael Keane to prove his worth after recovering from injury.