Billy Davies has warned pundits not to start suggesting his team are over-performing.

With North End now 23 games unbeaten and in the fifth round of the FA Cup, people are starting to pay attention to Preston again.

Written off by many after Richard Cresswell and Eddie Lewis left after the last season's play-off final heartache, North End are now sixth in the league and proving very hard to beat.

And after watching his side come from behind to beat Crystal Palace - a Premiership side last season - in the FA Cup replay on Tuesday, Davies warned: "Making into the FA Cup fifth round is wonderful financially for the club - especially with the game being at home. It has been a long time since we were beaten, and we have plenty of belief.

"People said we over-achieved by reaching the play-off final last season - and people will say we are doing so again this year. But we believe we have a right to be where we are."

The main reasons, according to Davies, are the team spirit in the dressing room, and a willingness from the players to help each other.

Danny Dichio, he says, is a case in point. He scored twice on Tuesday night, and Davies said: "His contribution in our own defence is irreplaceable and he got what he deserved.

"The way he brings other people into the game, he has other contributions as well as scoring goals and he has been unfortunate not to score so we're all delighted for him."

Before North End's next FA Cup date, on February 18 at Deepdale against Middlesbrough, they face a league date with Luton Town.

They were the last team to beat Preston - back on September 27.

Davies said: "It will be tough, but all games are in this league, but we have a belief like I said."