WITH every game for the last month seeming to have the same status as a cup final, it appears Preston boss Kelham O'Hanlon has pulled off a masterstroke in signing Clyde Wijnhard.

The flying Dutchman took little time in winning the fans at Deepdale over -- scoring a goal, winning a penalty and then hitting the post all on his home debut at the weekend.

But the 28-year-old striker, who has played for Leeds, knows he has to keep up that sort of performance, not only if North End are to make the play-offs, but also if he is to stay at Deepdale.

He said: "Preston have taken me from Huddersfield and the manager asked me if I was hungry and I told him the only way I could show him I was was if he put me in the team.

"I got a goal and won a penalty so hopefully that proves how hungry I am."

He added: "We have a good chance because from my point of view every game is a cup final.

"I'll be trying hard in every game as well."

Saturday sees recently-relegated Coventry City arrive at Deepdale. The only thing seperating North End and the Sky Blues in the league table is Coventry's better goal difference.

Both have 66 points, two points off the play-offs. A win could, in theory, take either side fourth. A draw or defeat for either side would place their promotion fates in the lap of the Gods - and the teams above them.

As Monday's defeat by Barnsley showed, North End can still be in it if the other teams slip up as well.

O'Hanlon reckons his side have everything to play for.

Speaking after Monday's defeat, he said: " I certainly believe we can get in the play-offs, there's plenty of points still to play for.

"Results have gone for us today and I think the big man is looking down on us, he wants us to get in."

And O'Hanlon has the luxury of having a near fully-fit attacking and midfield line up to choose from, while the return of Michael Jackson has bolstered the defence.

Graham Alexander could be called into the Scotland squad, courtesy of a Scottish grandmother.

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