AFTER England's nail-biting performance on Wednesday, when they triumphantly made it through to the second round of the World Cup, Preston City Council's chief has paved the way for a big screen to be installed in the city centre if Sven's boys continue to progress in the tournament.

Following an informal discussion between the Community Safety Partnership and the council, the idea of having a big screen in the Flag Market for the duration of the World Cup has already been discussed, according to council chief executive Jim Carr.

Although fears that drunken yobs could spoil the fun and run riot in the city has put the brakes on any immediate plans, council chiefs and the top cop at Preston police have not ruled out the possibility if England keep up the good footwork and qualify for the semi-finals in less than two weeks -- something they have not done since 1990.

"Installing a screen hasn't been completely ruled out," said Mr Carr. "But no one has come forward with a proposal.

"It is the alcohol that's the problem. I'm not saying that Preston is like Moscow, but after the last trouble in Deepdale, which was linked to football, I wouldn't want the city to be in the news again for the wrong reasons."

The idea has been welcomed by the chairman of Preston Supporters' Group, Geoff Ollerton, who believes an outdoor screen in the city centre would be a great way to unite local people.

"A screen in the Flag Market would be great and fans could unite together in their support, especially if England get through to the semi-final or the final," said Mr Ollerton.

And the city's own football team PNE is also considering installing big screens for future World Cup England matches.

Chief executive of the Deepdale club Tony Scholes said: "Whenever we have looked at big screens we have had full control of policing and safety. But if England progress we would consider them."

Although the police have not closed the book on the big screen idea, chief superintendent Russ Weaver, a divisional commander for Lancashire Constabulary, remains cautious, saying officers were very busy on Friday, June 7, after England's victorious 1-0 win over Argentina. "We had to put extra staff on.

"We haven't ruled out the possibility of a screen in Preston, but we haven't really expressed an interest either as large crowds require more policing," said Mr Weaver.

But, either way, bosses at the city's football museum next to the PNE ground, have pledged to keep their large television on, located at the entrance of the museum, so people can keep up-to-date with matches.

It comes after museum bosses have just returned from Japan where they set up an exhibition of England World Cup and football memorabilia in Owaji Island, just five minutes from the England training camp.

The historic exhibits include a pair of Featherweight football boots endorsed by former PNE player Sir Tom Finney in the 1950s.