NEW kids on the block Burnley and Preston can more than survive in the First Division reckons North End boss David Moyes.

While he agrees that Blackburn are one of the favourites for a return to the Premiership, he disagrees with some observers who rank the Clarets and the Whites alongside the likes of Crewe and Grimsby for a swift return to Division Two.

"I think the teams that have come up will be fine," said the 37-year-old. "We're a good side and I know Burnley will also be looking to finish at least mid-table.

"Our clubs have the capability because of their size to survive and I don't see survival as the main aim.

"We're starting out no different than last year. We enjoyed what we achieved last year and we want another piece of the action this time out. What wouldn't we give for another taste of that?"

But Moyes admitted that, as Preston haven't been in the First Division for 20 years, it is all an unknown quantity.

"We really don't know what to expect. It's a big step into the unknown for everyone," he said.

"I've watched a lot of First Division games and I know a lot of the players, but we'll only be able to tell how good we are when we start coming up against them.

"Towards the end of last season I took in as many games as possible to get an idea of the standard and I think we're all aware we'll be chasing the likes of Fulham and Blackburn. I also think Birmingham will be close as well." And while Burnley are anticipating their game against Rovers, it's also the one the Preston players and fans are looking forward to.

"People are desperate for the game against Blackburn and it's going to be wonderful for the supporters given the rich financial divide between the two clubs," said Moyes. "We're the new kids on the block, while they are just out of the Premier League, so there is a big gulf. "Watching Blackburn recently, the one thing that's noticeable is the difference in our playing staff. But I can only do the best I can here with the budget I've got."

Moyes has spent just under £1million this summer -- on winger Iain Anderson from Toulouse and Steve Robinson from Bournemouth. But he did hope to break the club record of £500,000 this week, bringing in £1million-rated Sheffield Wednesday striker Richard Cresswell. The deal has still not gone through.

"It's okay spending the money, but you have to get the right quality of player and the right blend," he admitted.

"We've got money, but there isn't a bottomless pit so what I do spend I'll have to use wisely.

"I think we have a good squad, but I would love to add a few more to it.

"I think the club deserves to be in the First Division and now it's up to my players to prove they deserve to play there.

"Preston is certainly big enough to be in the Premier League. When we finish the ground redevelopment we'll have a 30,000 capacity, but the players have to prove they can match that ambition.

"The pleasing thing from my point of view is that we are trying to build a group of players at 21 or 22 who in the next two or three years will improve collectively. If we can do that we can re-set our sights on trying to go even higher."

Moyes is a highly-rated young manager. His achievement of getting Preston promoted in his first full season in charge has made him a wanted man -- linked with the Leicester, Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday vacancies in the summer.

But he plays down all this -- especially the recurring suggestion that he is a young Alex Ferguson.

"The biggest step I've had in management was getting a job in the first place. When you are given the job it's up to you and no-one else to make it a success.

"I hope I've showed I'm capable of managing in the right manner by producing a team that plays the right kind of football.

"But the biggest challenge for me is to make my players raise their game and play to the standard they are going to need in this division.

"At the moment I'm enjoying it.

"It's a big challenge to try and make sure these players keep improving. Currently, that's the only ambition I need to set."