ERIC Skora is the hero of the hour after helping North End through to the fourth round of the FA Cup -- but then admitted he had no idea how important the tournament was.

The Frenchman was making only his second appearance for North End -- but his performance has already earned him a contract until the end of the season.

The former Nantes midfielder has given manager David Moyes plenty of options during his injury crisis -- and the Frenchman will now be hoping his ability to stand in won't be forgotten.

He said: "I was confident when I got the ball but I didn't think before the game that I would score. I would like to but I didn't expect to.

"I enjoy scoring because in this team it is difficult to play because there are so many good

players.

"Whenever I play, I want to do my best because Preston are a big club, very ambitious and there a lot of very good players here so it is very difficult to play in the first team."

He added: "I didn't really know if the FA Cup was a big competition because it was the first game I've played in the FA Cup.

"Someone said to me that it is a great competition and I so I enjoy to score in this competition."

The win in the Cup means a fourth round home tie against Sheffield United -- and a guaranteed £50,000 for getting there.

That, of course, will rise if North End progress further, with the prospect of a Premiership opposition growing as they pass through each stage.

Tuesday's victory also saw Jon Macken's first goal since October. Fans are now hoping he has rediscovered his scoring form -- just in time for Saturday's revenge match over Gillingham

The Kent side made sure North End had the worst possible start to the season -- not only a trip to the other side of the country but a 5-0 drubbing as well.