PRESTON defender Chris Lucketti is not surprised his former boss is on the brink of the Premiership.

But he is determined to help slow the Clarets progress this weekend when the two sides clash at Deepdale in a top of the table Lancashire derby.

Lucketti enjoyed successive promotions into the First Division with Bury under Stan Ternent and he never had any doubt that his former boss would be a success at Burnley.

"I am not surprised by what Stan has achieved because of his fantastic record at Bury," he enthused.

"When he took over at Burnley they were struggling but he has turned them around.

"He is a very good manager and it was only a matter of time for him to bring success to Turf Moor.

"Stan knows his players well. He knows which players to bring in and what his side's need. He got a group of lads together at Bury who had a great team spirit and who believed in each other and that was why we did so well.

"He has done the same at Burnley. He has bought wisely and he knows how to get the best out of people."

Both Preston and Burnley are up there challenging but Lucketti knows it is wide open.

"The league is so close," he said. "There are eight or nine teams up there and hopefully we will be one of them.

"Burnley have had a great start and so it is up to them to continue it - but I hope they do it after Sunday."

Lucketti left Bury for Huddersfield for £1million but following the Terriers' relegation last season Preston boss David Moyes swooped for him in a £750,000 move.

The Rochdale born 30-year-old made his debut at the end of August against Grimsby.

It was a mixed start as Preston didn't record a win until his fifth game for the club but since then North End haven't looked back.

They are undefeated in 11 games with Lucketti scoring three so far for North End - although striker Richard Cresswell did steal one off him at Coventry when it was credited to Lucketti but then given to the former Leicester man.

"That kicked off his season!" said Lucketti. "He hadn't scored up to that point and since he got that goal then he hasn't stopped scoring.

"He has taken his chance and done really well for us. He is a good player.

"But I don't mind who gets the goals as long as the ball goes in the net!"

Cresswell has scored seven goals in seven games making him a major threat to the Clarets but Lucketti has picked out Glen Little as one to watch for Burnley.

"He is doing really well. He has to be their main man at the moment. But both Gareth Taylor and Ian Moore can score goals so there are a few others to watch."

Lucketti believes Preston's slow start to the season was a hangover from their play-off final defeat against Bolton last season.

"When I joined they did seem to be feeling the effects of last season," he admitted. "There was a lack of confidence but it was just a case of getting a couple of wins.

"When we did that the confidence returned and now it is just a matter of keeping going. We have lost just once in 15 games and are flying.

"They are a great bunch of lads here. I only knew Michael Jackson when I arrived from my Bury days but they made me feel welcome and it has been good."

There will be a bigger reunion at Deepdale on Sunday.

"There's Lennie Johnrose, Dean West, Gordon Armstrong, Jeppo and Nicky Reid who I know from my days at Bury. I do know quite a few of the Clarets players and staff.

"Because of this I know it is going to be difficult. We will be in for a tough game and we are aware of that.

"The atmosphere should be great. It is what the club wants, games like these. Everbody is talking about it around the town."