Irvine's Preston are eighth in the Championship

Preston manager Alan Irvine has urged supporters to remain behind the team and not panic despite their recent inconsistent form at Deepdale.

North End have failed to win any of their last four games at home, three of which have ended in draws.

"You've got to take into consideration that two of those games were against West Brom and Middlesbrough," Irvine told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"They are teams who've come down from the Premier League with top squads."

Irvine believes captain Callum Davidson could return in time for Saturday's trip to Watford.

I'm quite sure without any setbacks he'll be available for Saturday Preston manager Alan Irvine

Davidson has been out since August through a combination of injury and suspension.

The Scotland international missed the weekend match against Crystal Palace, although Irvine admits he was close to being included in the squad.

"He felt he would struggle to play for 90 minutes," he said.

"I felt with us being at home in a game against a team like Palace I didn't want to be forced to take off a left-back and replace him with another one.

"I felt that if he was sure he couldn't play for 90 minutes that it was a waste of a substitute.

"I'm quite sure without any setbacks he'll be available for Saturday. Whether he plays or not we'll decide later."

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